Netflix has been on a roll lately. Their roster for 2021 is looking stacked, with shows like Dota: Dragon’s Blood and potentially a new season of Castlevania hitting the service before the end of 2021. There has never been a better time to be a Netflix subscriber!

Netflix has managed to carve out a permanent space in the streaming industry. But unless you keep up with their forums 24/7, it’s doubtful you’re getting everything out of the service. See, the truth is, there are a few ways you can make your Netflix experience better—ways Netflix doesn’t really tell you about. Today, let’s go over a few tips that will help you better your Netflix experience.

5 Ways to Improve Your Netflix Viewing Experience

1. Access Extra Content With a VPN

Netflix has gotten pretty expensive over the years, but those high prices don’t net subscribers all of Netflix’s content. Yes, even if you pay for Netflix’s premium plan, you’ll still be missing out on a few shows and movies that are exclusive to certain areas. 

This type of content—content limited to certain regions—is known as geo-blocked content. Unfortunately, these shows and movies are geo-blocked due to issues outside of Netflix’s hands, such as censorship, licensing, and vice versa.

Suffice to say, you’re not getting the most out of your Netflix subscription if you can’t access content! Fixing this is as easy as downloading a VPN, which allows you to connect to servers in different countries and view content only available there.

2. Start Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The time you spend typing or moving your cursor is more time you could be spending bingeing the latest episodes of Ozark. Saving a few seconds may not sound like much, but these few seconds add up over time—we’re talking minutes of free showtime!

If you want to make the Netflix experience a little more convenient, take some time to learn the various keyboard shortcuts compatible with Netflix. Whether it’s using your spacebar to full screen a show or using your arrow to fast forward/reverse, keyboard shortcuts make for a streamlined experience.

3. Request Shows and Movies You Want to See

Not many people know this, but you can actually send in requests for shows and movies you want Netflix to pick up! Netflix doesn’t advertise this request feature near as much as it should. Then again, think about the number of people who would request The Office!

The request page allows you to enter three titles you want to see come to Netflix. If there are enough requests—and nabbing the IP isn’t outside the realm of possibility—Netflix may end up putting the title on its service.

Also make sure to check out these amazing vampire movies on netflix!

4. Discover Secret Sub-Genres With Secret Codes

Netflix sorts its content like most other streaming services: by genre. Scroll through Netflix’s vast library, and you’ll notice shows and movies divided into categories like:

• Comedy
• Drama
• Thriller
• Horror
• Anime
• Etc.

But what if you’re looking for something more specific? After all, not all comedies are the same; neither are all action movies, adventure movies, thrillers, and vice versa. It turns out, Netflix allows subscribers to search for subgenres using hidden codes implemented in the service.

Refer to this list for all the codes that allow users to access Netflix’s subgenres. 

5. Take Advantage of Offline Downloads

Being stuck on a plane without anything to do is a nightmare, as I’m sure many of you are aware. It’s not a situation anyone wants to be in, but what can you do? Well, if you’re a Netflix subscriber, you can download content you want to watch on the flight.

Downloading content for offline viewing is a Netflix perk many don’t end up taking advantage of. Whether you’re getting ready for a flight or have spotty Internet, offline downloads are perfect for any Netflix viewer.

Conclusion

The past decade has seen Netflix grow from a smaller streaming service to a monolith that other streaming services look up to. However, Netflix’s status as a monolith doesn’t mean it’s perfect. But with these tips, you’ll be closer than ever to perfecting your Netflix experience.