Netflix is shaking things up in the subtitle world with its latest feature: dialogue-only subtitles. This new option strips away all the extra information found in standard subtitles, such as sound descriptions and speaker names. Instead of seeing “[phone buzzing]” or “[dramatic music swells]” alongside the dialogue, users will now only see the spoken words. This change focuses the experience purely on the spoken conversation, a boon for those who prefer a cleaner, less cluttered subtitle experience.
Currently, this feature is available in English for new Netflix original titles, beginning with season 5 of *You*. However, a Netflix spokesperson confirmed that they are actively working to expand this option to existing titles in the future. This is significant news considering that nearly half of all Netflix viewing hours in the US utilize subtitles or captions, according to Netflix’s own data. This high usage is mirrored by a national CBS News poll, which found a similar percentage of viewers relying on subtitles. This widespread adoption stems from various reasons, including managing TV volume levels, accommodating hearing difficulties, and improving comprehension in noisy environments.
Many viewers also report struggling to understand dialogue due to audio compression issues common with streaming services and the speakers found in many modern TVs and smartphones. The new dialogue-only option could offer a solution to this problem for some viewers, making it easier to follow along with the story. This new addition complements another recent Netflix update, which gives users more control over language choices for both subtitles and dubbing.
To access this new option, simply navigate to Netflix’s language picker while watching a compatible title. Under the English tab, you’ll find the new “English” option alongside the existing “English (CC)” option, which includes sound effects and speaker identification. This simple yet impactful change demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to catering to the diverse needs of its viewers and improving accessibility for a broader audience.
