Netflix adds an audio-only mode to its Android app

Netflix gives viewers the opportunity to completely ignore footage from shows and movies and go to full audio. In an update first detected by XDA Developers and so Android PoliceNetflix has started to implement an audio-only mode for its Android app users.

When watching a video, subscribers will see a “video off” button at the top of the full-screen video player. Once the video is turned off, a blank screen will appear along with all the playback controls such as a scroll bar, forward and back buttons, and speed settings. You can see that screen below, thanks to Android Police.

Image: Android Police

There is also an audio turn off option in the app settings, which allows viewers to decide whether they always want the audio to turn off or only when using headphones or external speakers. It is not clear when all Android users can receive this update; two Edge employees were still unable to access audio-only mode.

This is an intriguing update though, if only because the audio is having a moment. Of course, there is all the buzz around the podcasting industry and Spotify’s efforts to overcome it, but also Twitter launches audio tweets and apps like Clubhouse and TikTok that focus on audio as critical to their success. I wouldn’t have expected Netflix to include an audio-only mode, but if you want people to spend more time in the app, that means supporting them in situations where they can’t give a screen their full attention.