Netflix is expanding access to its slate of international content by allowing subscribers to stream shows and movies with an expanded assortment of subtitle options, the company said this week.
Streamers who watch Netflix content on mobile devices and computer have been able to choose subtitles in more than 30 languages, and now that same experience is coming to the Netflix app for smart TVs.
Netflix says subtitles have turned some of its localized TV shows and movies into international hits, including “Squid Game” (Korean), “Berlin” (Spanish), “Lupin” (French) and “All Quiet on the Western Front” (German).
“That’s why starting today, you’ll be able to pick from the full list of available languages for any title when watching Netflix on your TV,” a Netflix executive wrote in a blog post this week. “This much-anticipated feature — we’ve received thousands of language availability requests per month — carries over the experience members already enjoy on mobile devices and web browsers.”
Without providing specific examples, Netflix also claimed that subtitles on its TV shows and films have helped streamers learn new languages, and it will add new accessibility features that help support language learning over time.
“So, if you’re trying to learn a new language by viewing your favorite Mexican show with Korean dubbing and English subtitles, or watching the latest Netflix discovery with family members who speak several languages, the Netflix TV experience just got a whole lot more multilingual,” Netflix said.
A subscription to Netflix costs $8 per month when content is streamed with ads, or between $18 and $25 per month for commercial-free streaming. The higher tier of service also includes ultra high-definition (UHD/4K) video streams and the ability to watch content on four home devices at once.
Both commercial-free plans allow Netflix subscribers to “add” an extra member who doesn’t live within their immediate household. The “Standard” plan at $18 per month allows one extra member to be added for $7 per month with ads or $9 per month without, while the “Premium” plan allows streamers to add an extra member for $7 per month with ads or $9 per month without.
