What is Netflix? Simple answers to the simple questions you were too afraid to ask
Do you find Netflix confusing? It happens to the best of us. Here’s a comprehensive Netflix 101 crash course to help you start streaming in style.
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Netflix is an online streaming service which offers popular movies, TV shows, and documentaries users can watch over the internet. It has over 100 million members across 190 countries and began as a mail-order DVD rental service in 1997. The platform launched in Australia in early April of 2015 and has grown exponentially ever since. To get a better idea of what Netflix offers, compare it with other streaming services available Down Under.
Do I get a free trial?
Yes, Netflix lets you test-drive the platform for an entire month before charging you. However, you still need to enter your credit card details or PayPal information when you sign up. You can cancel your subscription anytime during your first free month. If you fail to do so before your trial expires, you will be automatically charged for the next month.
Netflix is pretty transparent when it comes to sending reminders as your trial nears its end, but it’s also a good idea to set a reminder for yourself so you don’t end up paying extra if you’re not enjoying the service.
How do Netflix subscriptions work? How much do they cost?
Netflix offers three levels of service to Australian customers. Here they are, as well as what they bring to the table. Essentially, the more you pay the more features you get.
How does the Netflix profile system work?
The Netflix profile system comes in handy when one Netflix account is used by more than one person. It enables you to set up a separate profile for each user, allowing them to save their own ratings and watch lists in order to receive personalised recommendations.
Then, you simply click on the icon with your name from the Netflix homepage and can enjoy a customised experience, without having to worry that other users will mess up your watch list or lose the place you’re at in a binge.
How does the Netflix "My List" feature work?
Netflix allows you to add titles you’re interested in to ‘My List.’ In other words, the feature helps you keep track of content you want to watch later. While browsing Netflix’s extensive catalogue, simply add titles that catch your eye to ‘My List’ and you’ll have easy access to them anytime.
How does the Netflix streaming system work?
Streaming content on Netflix is similar to watching a YouTube video – only the videos are much longer. To put it simply, the content is played at the same time as it is temporarily downloaded on your device, allowing you to watch it in real time. With slower internet connections, this can mean that videos will occasionally stop midway through streaming. That’s called buffering.
Thankfully, Netflix has made great advancements in streaming, so it can now ensure a smooth experience even on slower broadband plans. Moreover, the platform allows you to download titles from the library to your mobile devices to watch on the go instead of streaming on mobile data. That way, you don’t need to stress about burning too many GB on mobile or get frustrated with slow mobile connections.
What are Netflix ready devices?
Netflix can be streamed across almost any device with an Internet connection through either a traditional browser or an app. Some devices even come with the Netflix app already installed, so the setup process shouldn’t give you too much hassle. The list of devices compatible with Netflix includes game consoles, smart TVs, streaming media players, and more.
How does the Netflix app work?
Once the Netflix app is downloaded on a compatible device, you simply log in with your username and password. Just like in the web browser, you will be able to browse, stream, and add content to ‘My List’ to watch later.
As we’ve mentioned before, Netflix also allows you to download videos through the app when on a mobile device. Content available for download can easily be found through the “available for download” category within the app.
What is Netflix’s suggested Internet speed for better picture quality?
Streaming data can be quite taxing on many broadband plans. If you have a limit on your Internet usage, Netflix can quickly eat through your data in no time (depending on the size of the data plan). To stream good quality video, a reliable Internet connection is essential. Netflix has published this helpful connection table to help choose a plan:
- 0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
- 1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
- 3 Megabits per second - Recommended for SD quality
- 5 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
- 25 Megabits per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality
If you’re unsure of your internet speed, you can run a speed test to see what streaming quality your broadband can deliver. A lot of providers offer unlimited data plans – if that’s your case, you can breathe easy. Otherwise, you can always compare providers using our broadband comparison tool to make sure you get a plan with enough GB to watch all the content your heart desires.
Can I unsubscribe from Netflix?
You can cancel your Netflix subscription anytime, as the contract is on a month-to-month basis. Once you cancel, you will still have access to the platform until the end of your billing period. For example, if your billing day is the 15th of the month and you cancel on the 5th, you will still have 10 days left of streaming.
What content does Netflix Australia offer?
Netflix Australia has an impressive list of TV shows, movies and original productions that are sure to encourage lengthy binge-watching sessions. Some of the most popular shows on the service include 13 Reasons Why, Stranger Things, Black Mirror, The Crown, Daredevil, Narcos, Orange Is the New Black, and more. Besides, the service also offers tons of comedy specials, kids’ series, and documentaries.
Can I access the US Netflix library?
The Netflix library varies across the world due to licensing rights. That means that the Australian library, for instance, won’t look the same as the US library or the UK library. This doesn’t apply to Netflix original productions, which are available globally, but to shows owned by other companies that Netflix gets the streaming rights to.
As a result, the Australian content library, though generous, isn’t as large as the US one. It’s also important to note that some shows available internationally aren’t available in the US. For instance, Australians can stream the newest episodes from series like Riverdale and Dynasty as soon as they air in the US. Meanwhile, Americans won’t be able to stream them until the entire season drops on Netflix a few months after it wraps up.
If you’re keen to compare libraries or simply check out American Netflix, you can do so with by using a VPN service, a program that helps you to circumvent the geo-restrictions. However, note that streaming Netflix while using a VPN that disguises your location is forbidden by the platform’s terms and conditions, so proceed at your own risk.
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Ask an Expert
where can I find a listing guide to see what netflix offers
Hi Rose,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You can check our list of Netflix TV shows and Netflix movies available in Australia.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I now have a large ipad if I delete Netflix on my mini iPad can I get subside to Netflix on my new ipad
Hi Marga,
You can have multiple devices registered or associated with your Netflix account however the number of devices you can watch on at the same time depends on the membership plan that you have. That means, you can install it on both your large and mini iPad but if you only have the basic plan, you cannot watch Netflix on both at the same time.
You can refer to the list below for the number of screens you can watch at the same time based on your Netflix membership plan.
Basic – 1
Standard – 2
Premium- 4
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse
Hello! Can you please elaborately give information about Netflix in India?
Thank you so much Danielle. Have a nice day! :)
Hi Shafia,
Thank you for reaching out to us here at finder.com.au. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
Netflix is a provider of internet only streaming media. They provide TV shows and movies that you watch exclusively online. As of January 06, 2016, Netflix is available in India. Please feel free to view a full list of tv shows or movies that could be available in Netflix India.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
Does Chromecast support Netflix?
Hi Shahab,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You may stream and watch Netflix on Google Chromecast. Check our Netflix Chromecast guide to learn more about how to setup Netflix on Google Chromecast.
Kind regards,
Jason
Hi,
Are BT Infinity subscribers entitled to free Netflix services?
Hi Allen,
Thank you for your enquiry.
BT Infinity subscribers are not entitled to free Netflix services. It’s a bolt-on option to one of their BT TV packages. However, you may avail of the free 1 month trial of Netflix services. The monthly rate ranges from £5.99 to £8.99, depending on the type of Netflix subscription that you’ll avail.
Cheers,
Jason