Netflix is exploring vertical video as part of its experimentation with new content types, according to Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone. She spoke about this at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference on Tuesday. The executive noted that the company does not want to compete directly with apps like TikTok or other short-form drama platforms. However, she acknowledged that there are more opportunities for Netflix to leverage the mobile platform.
When asked about mobile competition, Stone agreed that consumers sometimes seek out traditional Netflix offerings like TV shows, movies, or games. At other times, they want something more snackable. In those moments, Stone said Netflix needs to provide a broader variety of content to meet customer needs.
The company is testing a vertical video feed on mobile devices. This feed is designed to reimagine the mobile experience and meet consumers where they are in their current mobile usage. This test, announced earlier this year, allows members to scroll through clips from Netflix’s original titles. The primary goal is to inspire users to watch the full show or movie.
Stone’s comments suggested the company may have larger plans for this feed. She pointed to the Moments feature, which lets users clip and share their favorite scenes from a show or movie. There is potential for these short clips to be integrated into the vertical video feed, though Stone did not directly confirm this plan. She stated more generally that the company would experiment with different types of content for the vertical feed and explore different ways to clip and share content.
She explained that Netflix has been innovating on Moments to create a social connection by allowing members to share clips with their networks. She described this feature as a type of short-form experience. However, Stone clarified that Netflix is not trying to copy or chase what TikTok or others are doing. The company believes there is a specific type of entertainment that is especially valuable to its members, and it wants to focus on that rather than trying to be everything at every moment.
Another area of experimentation involves podcasts, following a recent deal with Spotify to distribute podcasts on the Netflix platform. Stone said that the company will use new formats like vertical video to experiment with these new content types. Some podcast content will be co-exclusive across Netflix and Spotify and will be available on both mobile and TV.
Stone said users can expect to see these experiments rolling out over the next few quarters and throughout 2026.