Netflix is trialing a new linear TV channel in France called Netflix Direct. It will broadcast movies and shows from Netflix’s existing catalog in real-time.
What Is Netflix Direct?
Netflix Direct is a new feature for Netflix that is currently being trialed in France. It’s a linear channel that will broadcast content from the Netflix library.
Ordinarily, users choose what they want to watch on Netflix. With Netflix Direct, content will be scheduled and played in real-time—just like how traditional TV channels work, though without the commercials.
According to Netflix, France was chosen as the country to test this on because its research has shown that the nine million local subscribers “like the idea of programming that doesn’t require them to choose what they are going to watch”.
If you are unsure about what to watch on Netflix, or just want the opportunity to tune into something you may have otherwise skipped over, Netflix Direct is going to be great for you.
In a statement, Netflix said:
If you’re lacking inspiration or using Netflix for the first time, you can let yourself be carried away without having to choose a particular title, and be surprised by the diversity of the Netflix catalog.
Netflix has experimented with something similar before when it introduced a shuffle button. This would play content at random based on what it thought you would like. However, this feature was tailored to specific users and also didn’t feature an endless stream of content like Netflix Direct does.
How Can I Watch Netflix Direct?
The channel is available to existing Netflix subscribers and can only be accessed via a desktop browser. Other devices that Netflix supports for its traditional on-demand viewing, like smart TVs or games consoles, are not supported at this time.
When you open Direct, you will see a 24-hour grid of what’s currently playing and upcoming. The schedule is determined by popularity on Netflix and is the same for everyone, so it doesn’t tailor to your recommendation algorithm.
If the feature proves popular in France, Netflix will likely roll it out to other regions.
Discover What to Watch on Netflix
If you’re stuck for something to watch on Netflix, there’s lots of ways to discover the next best thing, be it browsing the Trending Now tab or checking for ratings online.
And who knows, perhaps Netflix Direct will be informing your viewing too.