When it comes to getting the most out of Netflix, it doesn't matter whether you're a seasoned pro or a relative newbie: no one is perfect. You're bound to be doing something wrong when using the streaming service.

Your Netflix viewing experience is determined by many factors, including your knowledge of the wide array of categories on offer, recommendations, and how long you spend scouring Netflix.

So here are a few mistakes you might be making when using Netflix. Fix these issues and you'll be able to get more out of the entertainment giant.

1. Prioritizing Netflix Originals

Many people pay for Netflix because they want to see the original shows made exclusively for the service. High-profile Netflix exclusives include Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. One survey even suggests Netflix has the best original content out of all the mainstream streaming platforms, so who's to blame you for making these your highest priority?

But this might be counterintuitive. Realistically, Netflix originals aren't generally going to vanish from the service any time soon. Some might never disappear. The same can't be said about all the other TV shows and films on there. In order to make way for new content, it's only natural that Netflix regularly culls shows. Content disappears every week.

Yes, some originals have gone—including the Marvel Netflix shows which transitioned over to Disney+. But those are notable because it's so rare for Netflix originals to be deleted. By not placing third-party content at the top of your watch list, you're missing out on a lot of great stuff.

2. Not Rating Content

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Netflix lets you rate content based on a Facebook-like thumbs-up or thumbs-down model. In fact, Netflix even has a double-thumbs-up option, for the stuff you absolutely love. And yet many of us never rate content.

Why? Perhaps we see a certain percentage of users liked or disliked a particular thing, and we don't want to influence the overall audience. We're backwards at coming forwards. And what if you watch so many episodes then the quality takes a downturn?

But the rating system is there for a couple of reasons, both important to your viewing experience. Obviously, it informs your peers (and crucially, Netflix itself) which content is best. It means Netflix can cater for the future, decide which genres are actively liked, over those that are watched but not enjoyed.

Secondly, ratings inform your recommendations: instead of focusing on what you watched, you'll be advised based on what you enjoyed.

Don't be so coy about expressing your personal opinion on the content you watch.

3. Accepting Low-Quality Streams

Not everyone is guilty of this, but it's worth noting that your browser might be affecting your streaming capabilities.

Google Chrome is the most popular browser, with a worldwide market share of more than 65 percent, but if you're watching Netflix through Chrome, you can only stream up to 720p. The same goes for Firefox (the fourth most popular browser) and Opera (in sixth).

If you use Windows, your best option is actually Edge, the third most-popular browser, albeit with just a 4.44 percent share. And Mac users should favor Safari, the second most-used browser (18.7 percent). Why? Both Safari and Edge boast 1080p streaming playback, i.e. HD.

Even if you rely on Chrome for most tasks, you should switch to another browser when streaming.

4. Thinking Binge-Watching Is Normal

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Netflix lines up a full run of episodes for you to watch, and automatically starts the next installment midway through the credits of the previous one. It encourages you to carry on watching, regardless of how sleep-deprived you might be.

But binge-watching is bad for you, and it's bad for TV. Television wasn't designed to be watched continuously. That's not how shows work. You lose the emotional impact of cliffhangers, become desensitized to pacing, and miss out on dramatic tension. You also become lazy, potentially losing important threads in the narrative, as you turn to a second screen to fill quieter moments.

And everything about bingeing is bad for your health. We're not just talking about getting too much screen time or the snacks that inevitably accompany binge-watching. Even sitting for too long has serious health issues.

If you want to experience a storyline all in one go, watch a movie. If you're watching a TV show, leave a gap between episodes.

5. Not Downloading Content

You're going on vacation. The long drive feels 10 times worse when your kids are in the back of the car, bored out of their minds. Airplane trips stretch ahead. And then your accommodation hasn't got sufficient entertainment.

You miss Netflix.

Fortunately, you can download Netflix content to watch offline. If you're on a long journey with no or patchy internet connection, downloading stuff to your device means you can carry your favorite shows and movies with you, wherever you go.

You're allowed to download up to 100 titles, but that will depend on your device's memory. You must have an active plan, and when something is deleted from Netflix, downloads are affected too. Nonetheless, it's well worth queuing some titles on your device ready for offline viewing.

6. Staying Loyal to Netflix

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Netflix's initial popularity was undoubtedly a result of shows and films sourced from outside production houses. A huge number of people watch Netflix every day, and ignore the other available entertainment sources. That harms the big- and small-screen communities, including Netflix itself.

The way we focus on when movies are released on streaming is killing our cinemas, so next time you're tempted to watch something at your local movie theater, don't fight that urge. Without cinemas, films might not even be made.

Everything needs healthy competition. Netflix has certainly found that in Disney+, but streaming has proved to be competition for traditional TV channels like ABC, CBS, and the BBC. However, if you're not supporting them, that competition will die. No company or medium should have a monopoly, so support live TV!

You can check out other streaming services too. There's the aforementioned Disney+, plus Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and more. All have their pros and cons; for example, Prime obviously has further benefits, including expedited delivery times on products from Amazon.

By exploring your options, you could save cash, and discover some old favorites and new gems.

7. Sharing One Profile

Even though everyone in one household shares an account, you shouldn't be sharing one profile.

Having numerous profiles sounds like a nuisance, but you don't need additional passwords, and the advantages of adding some personal details far outweigh the few minutes it takes to create each additional profile.

That's because the recommendations will be more accurate to you personally. Netflix will assess your viewing habits and determine which similar content you'll enjoy—not movies like something a relative has watched.

And you stand a better chance of hiding the fact you have a Power Rangers marathon every time your kids leave the house.

What Are You Watching on Netflix?

There's an art to using Netflix, and most of us haven't mastered it just yet. These small but important tips should help you turn Netflix from a good streaming service into a great streaming service. That makes Netflix better value for money in the process.