Streaming can be an expensive proposition for the consumer. If you’re subscribing to four or five services, that monthly bill can add up. That’s why you need to make sure you’re taking advantage of every feature a streaming service has to offer. That way, you can justify the expense.
Like many Americans, I’m a Netflix subscriber. Netflix continues to be one of the most popular streaming services, with a massive subscriber base of more than 325 million paid memberships worldwide. After Netflix increased its prices earlier this year, now is the perfect time to explore the service for all it has to offer. There is no reason to pay for Netflix unless you’re using these features.
Download shows and movies for offline viewing
One of the best travel hacks on the service
It’s summer in the U.S., which means many of you might be traveling. You might have to spend some time in a car, train, or plane to get to your destination. While not impossible, streaming via hotspot or the vehicle’s Wi-Fi can be a nightmare. I find that Wi-Fi in a moving vehicle is fine for browsing the web, but terrible for watching videos. It’s even worse when you’re trying to watch Netflix.
Don’t rely on a spotty internet connection. Take some time beforehand to download Netflix shows and movies to watch offline. Go to the Netflix app on your Android device, iPhone, iPad, Amazon Fire tablet, or Google Chromebook. Then, browse the platform for the show or movie you want to watch and look for the Downloads icon (the downward arrow icon). Just know that not everything is available for download due to licensing agreements.
Quiz
Netflix’s Additional Features
Trivia challenge
Think you know everything Netflix offers? Put your streaming knowledge to the test right now.
StreamingGamesSportsEntertainmentFeatures
When did Netflix officially launch its mobile gaming feature for subscribers?
That’s right! Netflix launched its mobile gaming feature in November 2021, starting with Android users. The service began with just a handful of titles and has since grown to over 80 games included with a standard subscription.
Not quite — Netflix gaming launched in November 2021. It rolled out first on Android before expanding to iOS, and all games are included at no extra cost as part of a Netflix subscription.
Which major live sporting event did Netflix broadcast for the first time in December 2024?
Correct! Netflix made its live sports debut by broadcasting two NFL games on Christmas Day 2024. It was a landmark moment for the platform, signaling a major push into live sports broadcasting.
The answer is the NFL Christmas Day doubleheader. Netflix streamed two NFL games on December 25, 2024, marking the company’s first-ever live sports broadcast and a significant expansion of its content strategy.
Which pop superstar’s concert special, filmed in 2023, became one of Netflix’s most-watched live events?
That’s right! Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour concert film arrived on Netflix and drew massive viewership. It was part of Netflix’s growing strategy of securing high-profile music and entertainment specials to complement its scripted content.
The correct answer is Beyoncé. Her Renaissance World Tour concert special became one of Netflix’s standout live event offerings in 2023, helping the platform establish itself as a destination for premium music experiences.
What is the name of Netflix’s feature that allows users to download content for offline viewing?
Correct! Smart Downloads is Netflix’s feature that automatically deletes watched episodes and downloads the next one in a series when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. It makes offline binge-watching seamless and storage-friendly.
Not quite — the feature is called Smart Downloads. Introduced in 2018, it intelligently manages your offline content by removing episodes you’ve already watched and replacing them with the next one automatically.
Which of the following best describes Netflix’s approach to original podcast content as of 2024?
Spot on! Netflix has produced companion podcasts that complement popular series and films, offering behind-the-scenes insights and cast interviews. These are typically released on major podcast platforms to extend engagement beyond the screen.
The correct answer is that Netflix releases companion podcasts tied to its shows and films. Rather than a standalone podcast platform, Netflix uses audio content as a marketing and engagement tool, distributing episodes through existing podcast services.
What does Netflix’s ‘Top 10’ feature display to users?
Correct! Netflix’s Top 10 feature shows the ten most-watched titles in your specific country during the current week. Launched in 2020, it added a social dimension to Netflix by letting viewers see what everyone around them is watching.
Not quite — Top 10 shows the most-watched titles in your country for that week. Netflix introduced this feature in February 2020, and it quickly became a cultural talking point, influencing what people choose to watch based on regional popularity.
Which of the following game studios did Netflix acquire to bolster its gaming library?
That’s right! Netflix acquired Night School Studio in 2021, the indie developer behind the critically acclaimed game Oxenfree. It was Netflix’s first game studio acquisition and signaled serious ambitions in the interactive entertainment space.
The correct answer is Night School Studio. Netflix bought the indie developer — known for creating Oxenfree — in September 2021. It was the company’s first game studio purchase, laying the groundwork for its expanding gaming division.
In 2024, Netflix aired a highly publicized boxing match. Who were the two fighters involved?
Correct! The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match aired live on Netflix in November 2024. Despite technical streaming difficulties experienced by many viewers, it was one of the platform’s most-watched live events and a defining moment in Netflix’s live sports strategy.
The answer is Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul. Netflix streamed this highly anticipated bout in November 2024, though the event was marred by widespread buffering issues. It still drew enormous viewership and marked a bold step for Netflix into live combat sports.
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For movies, select Download. For shows, hit Download next to an episode. You can also tap Download Season to download an entire season of television. Ad-free plans can have up to 100 active downloads at a time per device in your Netflix plan, while ad-supported plans can have up to 15 total downloads per device in a calendar month.
As for what to watch, there are several Netflix miniseries you can finish on a plane ride, including Ripley and Death by Lightning.
Netflix’s (secret) codes
A cool trick to search for your favorite genre
Picture this: You fire up Netflix without a plan. You figure you’ll find something on the homepage that catches your eye. You start scrolling through the genre pages, and before you know it, 15 minutes have passed. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve wasted 15 minutes scrolling on Netflix, I would be a rich man.
Even if I don’t know what to watch, I typically know what genre I want to explore, from action and comedy to thriller and horror. This is where Netflix’s not-so-secret codes come in handy. Essentially, Netflix has genre codes that you can use in your browser that will take you to specific pages.
In your web browser, “https://netflix.com/browse/genre/xx” is your starting point. Now, you need to put numbers at the end of the URL. If you enter “https://netflix.com/browse/genre/1365,” you’ll be taken to Netflix’s action and adventure page. If you type in “https://netflix.com/browse/genre/4814,” it takes you to the miniseries section.
Some codes to remember:
The team at What’s on Netflix has over 2,000 codes that you can check out and add to your rotation. These codes work best in a web browser, so you’re better off doing this on a computer. If you’re predominantly watching Netflix on a TV or a tablet, there is a way to implement your choices from the secret codes.
Use the secret codes on your web browser. When you find something you like, add it to My List. That way, your selections will be saved, and you can view your My List selections in the Netflix app on your TV, mobile device, or tablet.
Clip your favorite Netflix moments
No more pulling out your phone to record
The days of pulling out your phone to record a clip and send it to your friends are over. Netflix has a built-in feature where users can clip their favorite moments from Netflix TV shows and movies. This feature is available on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and tablets.
When you want to clip a moment, click Clip, located in the bottom-left corner. Then, set a start and end time. Save the clip, and it will appear under your My Netflix tab. Rewatch these clips whenever you want. You can also share these clips with your friends via Messages, WhatsApp, Instagram Messages, Messenger, and more.
As someone who uses a lot of storage on his phone, Netflix’s clipping option allows me to have a library of short moments. Now, I don’t have to fill up my iPhone’s photo library with videos. Plus, it’s always fun to explore old moments that I’ve saved and relive those moments, which, in many cases, are saved for comedic purposes.
Watch podcasts
Welcome to your new home for video podcasts
When Netflix first added video podcasts, I was fairly indifferent. I typically watch podcasts on Spotify or YouTube, and the thought of logging into Netflix to do it wasn’t appealing. Let’s just say I’m changing my mind as I write this article while watching the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast on Netflix.
I used to listen to music when doing daily activities around my apartment — writing, cleaning, cooking, and showering. Now, I’ve transitioned to podcasts. It’s to the point where it feels like something is missing when I don’t have a podcast on. With the ability to watch podcasts on Netflix, I throw one on to end most nights.
What should I watch on Netflix?
Now that you’re on Netflix, it’s time to use it for its main function: streaming. One of my favorite genres is thrillers, and if you search the thriller genre page, you’ll find one of the best of the last 15 years in Gone Girl. As for new shows in July, Worst Neighbor Ever and Little House on the Prairie are now available to watch.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
