Max subscribers can expect a homepage upgrade to begin rolling out this week in the U.S. After receiving the app update, users with an adult profile will gain access to an improved user experience, equipped with dynamic video previews.
Once available, these video previews will automatically play at the top of the homepage when the user hovers over a corresponding title. Those already using Netflix on a regular basis will be aware of how dynamic previews work in general.
Of course, as some Netflix users will also already know, not everyone wants video previews to automatically play when searching for something to watch. Warner Bros. Discovery has took this into consideration and the new feature will include a toggle, making it possible to turn video previews on or off through the settings.
“This experience makes it easier for customers to confidently decide what to watch by providing more context through short video previews. It empowers them to make a more informed, and ultimately better choice on what to watch and helps them discover more titles they know they’ll enjoy,” said Tyler Whitworth, Max’s Chief Product Officer.
With the introduction of videos previews at the top of the screen, Max subscribers can expect some other changes to the general layout of the homepage.
As an example, title tiles now appear smaller and more rectangular on the homepage. This not only helps to make room for the video previews but also ensures more title recommendations can be seen on the screen at the same time.
Max does already make use of tiles of this size and shape for some rows, like Continue Watching, My List, and Live & Upcoming, but subscribers can now expect a much wider use of this size and shape.
In a bid to make these video previews as useful as possible, Warner Bros. Discovery says it will also debut a new in-house AI-assisted tool in the coming weeks.
The plan is for the tool to help identify and suggest popular and recognizable short scenes from library content (“Drop-In Moments”) that can be used as video previews.
“This AI-driven technology will enable us to identify Drop-in Moments for the vast catalog of content on Max and significantly reduce the manual time needed to curate previews,” said Avi Saxena, Chief Technology Officer, WBD. “It reflects our broader commitment to using AI to transform the way audiences find and connect with content on Max.”
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