Netflix reportedly testing new 'shuffle play' button

If you're indecisive on what to watch, why not let the streaming platform pick for you?

Netflix is reportedly testing out a 'shuffle play' button. AFP / Chris Delmas

Despite having a decent catalogue of options available, sometimes it can still be difficult to narrow down exactly what to watch on Netflix. So, to deal with the conundrum, the streaming platform is currently trying out a new feature that might help make the decision a little easier for us all.

The company is reportedly testing a “Shuffle Play” button that when pressed, will allow Netflix to select random content it believes the user will enjoy.

It could be a movie or show they’ve saved in the My List section or just something that’s similar to programming that’s already been watched. However, it's supposed to introduce the user to new content that has yet to be clicked on.

It seems that because the button is still in a test phase, Netflix hasn’t decided yet where it will be located exactly. Currently, the Shuffle Play option only appears on connected-TV devices, meaning those who use their computers won’t see it.

"The purpose of the test is to make it easier for members to find something to watch," a Netflix representative told Variety. "The plan is to eventually roll it out as a permanent feature. The hope is to absolutely productise something."

Users who are able to test the feature have taken to Twitter to discuss the new option.

One user showed the button appearing on the landing page of where the profile avatars are:

While another showed it on the homepage screen that lists films and TV shows:

Another added this was "the best feature" on the platform:

So while there's no telling when this feature will come out to the UAE, it does seem to be something Netflix is seriously considering.

However, for those who don't have access to the button but are interested in finding new content in the meantime, they can try using 'secret codes' which group specific genres of content on the platform. An exhaustive list of every single code and niche genre that exists on Netflix lives on the internet here.

Here's how it works: find the code you're interested in, such as Asian action films which has a code of 77232. Log in to the Netflix website and then use the url www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[insert code here] and you'll be taken to a page that lists all films under that genre.

It would take all day to count them up, but suffice to say there is a huge amount. To find out more, click here.