Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Netflix viewers share method of avoiding spoilers after complaining about one feature

Streaming service had given away key plot points against viewers’ wishes

Louis Chilton
Monday 30 May 2022 21:05 BST
Comments
Ozark Trailer final season

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Netflix viewers have shared a method of avoiding spoilers after one person complained about one of the streaming app’s features.

Users are currently shown short video previews of films and TV series automatically while they are browsing Netflix.

However, some viewers have complained that the clips in question sometimes give away plot points they would rather not have discovered in advance.

Recently, Ozark fans accused Netflix of ruining certain moments in the show’s fourth and final season, after the auto-play trailer contained what seemed to be a significant spoiler.

A Reddit thread was established on Sunday (29 May) when one person complained: “Netflix really needs to stop showing spoilers in the preview and image’s [sic] when scrolling.”

Other users chimed in with responses to the complaint, however, and suggested a means of disabling the streaming service’s spoiler-friendly feature.

“You can deactivate trailers and clips in your account settings,” one person replied. “But only through a PC/Laptop.”

It’s true: viewers are able to deactivate the “auto play previews” feature through their PC or laptop.

After signing into your Netflix account, you have to select “manage profiles” from the menu. After clicking through, there should be an option to disable “auto play previews”.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

This might take a short while to update, but when it does, the setting will be disabled across all devices, including TV apps.

Spoilers aren’t the only source of frustration for Netflix viewers recently. Fans of the hit sci-fi series Stranger Things were left scratching their heads over the resolution to season three’s big cliffhanger, with many branding the explanation “ridiculous”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in