Netflix is introducing a new subtitling option for its original shows that trims audio cues from subtitles, such as sound effects or descriptions of who is speaking, for those who just want to read along with the dialogue of their favorite shows.
Most subtitles are designed for the deaf or hard-of-hearing, but Netflix is finding that many people are using them for other reasons. The streamer says nearly half of all viewing hours in the US have subtitles turned on, which matches 2023 research from Preply, which found that around half of Americans use the feature across Netflix or other services.
The option is available now on new Netflix releases; it’s in the Subtitles menu under the name English. The original subtitles with audio cues are included under English (CC). Netflix started rolling it out yesterday with season five of the hit drama You and the new Tom Hardy film Havoc.
There’s no sign of Netflix retroactively adding this to its original programming, so it’s likely to be a feature you only find on new content moving forward. That may mean in shows like You, it will be available for later seasons rather than across a whole series. It’s also unclear if this option will be introduced on TV shows and movies that aren’t produced by Netflix.
This feature isn’t limited to the English language, so if you watch Netflix in another language supported by the streaming provider’s subtitling tech, you will find this new option available there, too.
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You can customize subtitling on Netflix through the Settings menu on all devices. It allows you to change the style and size of the wording.
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About James Peckham
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