Your prayers to the Netflix Gods have been answered – starting today, the online streamer is rolling out the option to download videos to watch offline across Android and iOS devices.
Arguably one of the most-requested features from users, a post from Netflix’s Director of Product Innovation, Eddy Wu, reveals that subscribers will be able to download “many” TV shows and movies, including some of the company’s high-profile originals: House of Cards, Stranger Things, Orange is The New Black, Narcos, and lavish period drama The Crown. The ability to watch content offline will come at no additional cost, and will be available on all monthly content plans worldwide from today. It’s currently limited to compatible smartphones and tablets, though we’ll keep you posted should the streaming giant expand offline viewing to laptops and other devices.
Per Netflix:
“While many members enjoy watching Netflix at home, we’ve often heard they also want to continue their Stranger Things binge while on airplanes and other places where internet is expensive or limited. Just click the download button on the details page for a film or TV series and you can watch it later without an internet connection.”
With an estimated $6 billion worth of original content planned for 2017, the ability to view Netflix content offline couldn’t have arrived at a better time, and brings the company in line with streaming rival Amazon, which introduced offline viewing via the Amazon Instant Video app some time ago. Couple this with the increased competition from traditional broadcasters and their “over the top” streaming services and it’s small wonder why Netflix has been quick to introduce such a popular feature to stay ahead of the curve. And though it’s a welcome addition for subscribers across the board, it’ll be interesting to gauge whether the ability to download content will have much of a bearing on Netflix‘s overseas user base, particularly those with no access to consistent, reliable Internet.
