Netflix is entering a new era of interactivity and shared entertainment. During the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, Netflix Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone unveiled a lineup of updates that will transform how viewers watch, play, and engage with content on the platform. The company is leaning into live participation, gaming, and personalized experiences that bring a fresh sense of community to streaming.
One of the biggest updates is the introduction of second-screen tools designed to make viewing more interactive. Audiences will be able to take part in live polls and real-time voting, influencing outcomes as shows unfold. This feature was tested earlier this year during the live cooking show Dinner Time with David Chang, and Netflix plans to expand it with the reboot of Star Search launching next year. Viewers will have the opportunity to vote for contestants directly through their TVs or phones, while those watching later will miss the voting window — keeping the experience live and engaging.
Netflix also plans to extend real-time interactions to video podcasts, connecting with Spotify’s upcoming podcast integration. The platform’s push for interactivity doesn’t stop there — a new wave of “living room party games” will arrive later this year, with more expected in 2026. These games will let friends and families play together using their phones as controllers, echoing the fun of Jackbox-style game packs. Five titles are already lined up for release by the end of 2025, including LEGO® Party!, Boggle Party, Pictionary: Game Night, Tetris Time Warp, and Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends.
Alongside interactive experiences, Netflix is refreshing its visual design. The platform’s homepage will feature animated and themed experiences, beginning with a Halloween version followed by a Holiday theme in December and a Bridgerton-themed experience in development. Younger viewers will also see changes with a redesigned Kids profile featuring simpler navigation and a new “My Netflix” section that updates recommendations in real time while merging saved, watched, and liked titles.
For mobile users, Netflix is testing vertical video feeds that showcase short clips and highlight scenes from shows and films. The goal is to provide a casual viewing experience that fits modern habits without directly imitating existing short-form platforms. More developments in this area are expected through 2026.
Netflix’s upcoming updates make it clear the company is doubling down on innovation and audience participation. From live shows that invite your input to party games that turn your TV into a social hub, the streaming giant is reshaping entertainment into a more connected, interactive experience.
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