This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On April 22, 2020, Netflix announced the introduction of playback speed controls on Android devices, giving users more control over their viewing experience.
The feature, which is set to roll out globally in the coming weeks, allows users to choose from four different playback speeds: 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, and 1.5x.
Users can opt-in to use the playback speeds with every single title they want to watch, preventing accidental playback at faster speeds.
Netflix's vice president of product innovation, Keela Robison, explained that the feature has been much requested by members for years and provides flexibility for consumers, whether it's rewatching a favorite scene or slowing down due to subtitles or hearing difficulties.
Robison noted that the company's tests show that consumers value the flexibility provided by the feature.
Netflix had previously tested the feature in 2019, but it was met with backlash from Hollywood's creative community, including actor Aaron Paul.
The company is also planning to keep an eye on the response to the playback speeds from both the creative community and subscribers.
