Netflix is now testing Collections, a new way to recommend shows and films to its subscribers based on suggestions by human experts instead of algorithms.
The new feature is currently testing on iOS devices with a selected subset of users given access to it.
Human-Curated Collections
The streaming service already offers several categories for users to choose from, but its current strategy relies on algorithms determining the user's TV show or movie preferences based on what they've previously watched. With artificial intelligence, Netflix can make targeted recommendations as well as suggestions that are based on the popular titles on the platform.
Netflix Collections will be a little bit more nuanced with humans curating the categories. According to Tech Crunch, a team of experts from the company's creative department has put together the collections based on a variety of similar factors, such as genre, character traits, storyline, and the like.
"We're always looking for new ways to connect our fans with titles we think they'll love, so we're testing out a new way to curate Netflix titles into collections on the Netflix iOS app," a Netflix spokesperson said. "Our tests generally vary in how long they run for and in which countries they run in, and they may or may not become permanent features on our service."
A Peek at Collections
Some of the Collections that are available during the testing period include "Let's Be Real, Let's Keep It Light, Curiously Candid TV, Dark & Devious TV Shows, and Women Who Rule the Screen, among others.
Users who are part of the testing group on iOS will be able to spot the new Collections tab on top of the Netflix homepage. It is found where My List is typically located. The new feature is also available on the app of the people who have access to it.
Netflix's New Content
Testing for Collections come at a time when the battle of various streaming services are heating up. Features like Collections can help Netflix entice new subscribers and retain existing ones as new streaming services such as Apple TV+ and Disney+ pull out all the stops to get a share of the market.
For now, Netflix is still among the top players of the game with its new releases anticipated by its subscribers. It will debut a new string of films in September, including cult comedy Between Two Ferns and thriller In the Shadow of the Moon. Highly anticipated series The Politician, Unbelievable, and The I-Land are also slated for release.
