Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone Teases More Vertical Video Experiments 2025: “Not Chasing TikTok” at Disrupt SF
Netflix isn’t building the next TikTok—but vertical video just leveled up for mobile binge-scrollers. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, CTO Elizabeth Stone revealed more vertical video experiments rolling out, focusing on Netflix clips and social sharing to hook users without copying short-form rivals.
“We’re testing a vertical video feed on mobile… meeting consumers where they are,” Stone said Tuesday in San Francisco. Vertical video experiments let users swipe through clips from hits like Squid Game or Stranger Things—“snackable” discovery without endless doom-scrolling.
No TikTok clone here. “Not intending to copy… focused on moments valuable to our members,” she stressed. Enter Moments: Clip-and-share tool for social connections—“short-form Netflix-style.” Future? Seeding Moments into feeds, new content types, better clipping—all mobile-first.
Backstory: Netflix tested Fast Laughs (2021 comedy clips), Kids Clips, and May 2025’s vertical feed amid 300M+ subs. Vertical video fights attention wars—TikTok, Reels, Shorts steal mobile minutes (90% of U.S. viewing).
X erupts: TechCrunch post blasts 12K views, 11 likes—”Netflix vertical video game-changer!” Founders buzz: “Smart pivot—not all-in TikTok.”
For U.S. users (75M households), it’s gold. Q3 2025 subs +2M; vertical experiments spike discovery 35% (early tests). Economy boost: $17B content spend fuels Hollywood jobs (+15K). Gen Z/Alpha (70% mobile) stay glued—churn drops 12%. NFLX +1.2% after-hours.
Stone: “Snackable” moments bridge binge gaps—no ads, personalized. Spotify podcast hub (2026) next.
Netflix vertical video, CTO Elizabeth Stone, TikTok competition—Disrupt bombshell redefines streaming 2025.
By Sam Michael
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