Netflix’s New Offline Viewing Feature: Download Your Favorite Shows for Later

Exciting news, Netflix subscribers! The streaming giant has expanded its services to include a new feature that gives you the power to download your must-watch television shows or movies and view them offline. This beneficial function is available for devices running Android 4.4.2 and above, and iOS 8 or higher.

Before you begin celebrating, bear in mind this feature has some conditions. Only shows that Netflix owns, including cult-favourites like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Narcos,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “House of Cards” can be downloaded for offline viewing.

Here’s the process; upon updating your Netflix app to the latest version, you will spot a ‘Download’ icon right next to the ‘Play’ button. Netflix assures its users that they will be able to pick the video quality of the download that best caters to their requirements. The ‘Standard’ option will offer less precise video quality, but it will be quicker to download and consume less of your device’s storage space. On the other hand, selecting ‘Higher’ quality will result in a finer image but will require more storage and take longer to download.

Here’s a simple four-step guide on how to choose your download quality:

1. Open the Netflix app and tap the Menu icon.
2. Scroll down and select ‘App Settings.’
3. Under the ‘Downloads’ section, tap ‘Video Quality.’
4. Choose either ‘Standard’ or ‘Higher’ video quality.

Remember though, an internet connection is still required to initially download the shows. The real charm here? Now you can bring those beloved Netflix originals on that distant flight, replacing the standard airline movie selection with your preferred binge-watching material.

Furthermore, as Netflix continues to expand its services in African countries, this offline viewing feature could be a game-changer for users in places where fast and affordable internet access isn’t widely available. It permits these subscribers to enjoy their favorite shows without a consistent internet connection. Perhaps those who can access the internet only at specific times or places can now download the desired content during those periods and watch it offline later.

In 2016’s third quarter, Netflix added 3.2 million new international subscribers and an additional 370,000 in the United States. Despite surpassing its own expectations of 304,000 new subscribers in the US and another 2 million internationally, Netflix anticipates the fourth quarter to be even more fruitful with the unveiling of more exclusive shows as we step into 2017. Not a Netflix subscriber yet? Now may be the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon.