Netflix Makes It Easier to Search for Accessible Movies and TV Shows

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Netflix is highlighting features designed to make the viewing experience more inclusive.

The streaming giant recently released a feature called Search by Language. In addition to filtering movies and TV shows based on language, you can also search for content that supports subtitles, audio descriptions or dubbing. 

Search by Language is built into Netflix’s search bar on all devices. You can type exactly what you’re looking for, like “Audio description in Spanish,” “Korean dubbed” or “Hindi dubbed movies and TV.” On a web browser, you can also filter your search based on original language, dubbing and subtitles. 

Netflix says it added more than 13,000 hours of audio description across 34 languages last year — a 30% year-over-year increase. Audio description is spoken narration describing the visual elements of a movie or TV show. It can help people who are blind or low vision better follow what’s happening onscreen. 

Netflix is also planning to introduce American Sign Language to the platform “in the near future.” Unlike closed captioning, ASL can convey more emotion, nuance and expression, and can help some viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing connect more deeply with content. ASL options are already being implemented to various degrees by streamers like HBO Max and Disney Plus. 

Accessibility has become a bigger focal point in the tech and entertainment industries. Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which takes place every May, is an opportunity for companies — from Apple to Google to TikTok — to spotlight how they’re making their products and platforms inclusive for people with disabilities. As tech and entertainment become more entwined, there are growing opportunities to make digital platforms more inclusive and accessible for a wider audience. 

Netflix has also curated an Amplifying Accessibility Awareness collection, which features movies and TV shows spotlighting stories from and about people with disabilities. The collection is available through May 31.