"Netflix app redesign is increasingly criticized by subscribers as difficult to navigate and use efficiently"
In May 2025, Netflix made a significant overhaul to its app interface, a move that has been met with mixed reactions from its subscribers. The new interface, characterized by an awkward and overly kinetic quality to browsing, has been compared to the user-unfriendly interfaces of Amazon Prime Video and the new Netflix interface.
The main HBO Max homescreen, on the other hand, leans more towards previews but offers more information when browsing, without the ballooning, jump-scare auto-play when hovering over a tile. HBO Max also boasts a vertical menu bar on the left side of the screen, providing more browsing options. Each horizontal row of program categories features an enlarged tile that starts playing a preview clip for the program.
The new Netflix interface, however, cuts down the number of tiles in any row from six to four, reducing the amount of information that can be accessed visually onscreen. Selecting any tile quickly fills the screen with a full-motion preview. The Plus button for adding a program to your library is now hidden and requires scrolling down to access.
The redesign of the Netflix app interface is driven by Netflix's internal product engineering and design teams, who use platform engineering and design thinking principles to enable rapid experimentation and innovation. Despite the criticism, Netflix has pushed back at subscribers complaining about its updated interface, characterizing them as a vocal minority.
The author of this article, an on-and-off Netflix subscriber, appreciates the high picture and sound quality of Netflix originals. However, the updated interface has been met with criticism on online forums and by the author's colleague. Some users have found the interface to be "borderline unusable" and causing feelings of rage.
Netflix's UI designers are recommended to study the interfaces of Apple TV+, HBO Max, and The Criterion Channel for inspiration. These interfaces maximize screen space for program tiles and are fully readable, offering a more user-friendly experience.
It is important to note that the fear of change is called metathesiophobia. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to strike a balance between innovation and user experience to ensure customer satisfaction.
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