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Netflix Unveils Themed Playlists for Young Viewers

By Familyguide Contributor

Netflix has introduced a new feature aimed at simplifying the viewing experience for children aged 7 and under. The streaming giant has launched curated playlists that offer continuous playback of shows, potentially reducing the time spent scrolling through options.

This innovative feature is currently being tested in a limited capacity, available only in the United States, France, South Korea, and Brazil. The playlists cover ten distinct themes, ranging from educational content like ABC (featuring ASK THE STORYBOTS and JIM HENSON’S WORD PARTY) to more relaxing options such as a Bedtime playlist (including GO! GO! CORY CARSON and COCOMELON LANE).

Netflix’s goal is to eventually expand this feature, aiming to attract family viewers by eliminating the hassle of searching for titles. This approach is reminiscent of FAST (free, ad-supported streaming television) channels, potentially boosting content discovery and increasing watch time for Netflix’s extensive children’s catalog.

Recent data from Netflix indicates a significant uptick in viewing hours, with audiences watching up to 94 billion hours in the first half of 2024, compared to 90 billion in the latter half of 2023.

A Netflix spokesperson stated, “We’re constantly seeking ways to enhance the user experience, and these tests are integral to that process.”

The streaming service has revealed nine playlists so far, each centered around a specific theme and comprising four to six different titles. These include ABC, Animal, Bedtime, Birthday, Dinosaur, Math, Music, Science, and Truck playlists. Popular shows like GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE, OCTONAUTS, PEPPA PIG, and PJ MASKS are featured in these collections.

To address parental concerns about inappropriate content, all playlists are rated TV-Y7, ensuring that more mature content doesn’t inadvertently appear in the lineup.

This move by Netflix follows a similar initiative by Disney+, which recently introduced its own playlist feature. Disney+’s offering includes ABC News Live and content targeted at preschoolers, with plans to expand to include “Seasonal Content” and “Throwbacks” – a collection of nostalgic pop culture content.

Disney+ is also set to launch a “Real Life” playlist featuring documentaries and biopics, as well as an “Epic Stories” compilation showcasing action-packed narratives from popular franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.

Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, emphasized that these playlists represent their commitment to providing optimal value and experience for subscribers. The goal is to offer a diverse range of content catering to various interests and preferences in a relaxed viewing format.