Sometimes I wonder exactly who Netflix’s algorithms think I am. Like many people, I often share my account with roommates or the person I’m dating. As a result, the recommendations section of my Netflix account is usually a jumbled mess that doesn't even come close to my personal taste.
But no more! Today, Netflix announced that the video streaming service is officially launching user profiles capable of telling your unique tastes in movies apart from those who share your account. Once active for your account, you can create and switch between different profiles using a menu on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
The new scheme will let you create up to 5 user accounts so everyone in your household can get their own personalized recommendations. If you’re not the type to share your Netflix account, you can use the profile feature to create lists of recommendations based on your mood – the streaming service suggests making “Family Night” and “Date Night” profiles, for example.
If you want to take your movie-watching experience social, user profiles can also be connected to your Facebook account. That way, you can get suggestions based on what your friends are watching, and vice versa. (Spoiler alert: All your friends are watching Orange is the New Black and you probably should be too.)
New Netflix accounts should have user profiles active immediately. Profiles will start rolling out for existing customers today, with all users gaining access to the feature in the next two weeks. For more on individual user profiles and how they work, check out the official Netflix blog or the video above.
