Netflix on Wednesday announced a short video clips feature called Fast Laughs or laugh-out-loud-stand-up-specials for mobile phones.
The feature looks like a similar version of TikTok and Instagram reels.
While it is still being tested for Android, the feature is available for iPhone users in select countries.
It will be available as the Fast Laughs tab in the navigation menu at the bottom, that will have clips playing one after the other- just like TikTok and Instagram reels. The Verge reported that Netflix had referenced TikTok as a potential rival along with other digital streaming and social media platforms.
“We’re always looking for new ways to entertain and make discovery easier for members,” Patrick Flemming, director of product innovation at Netflix, told The Verge, adding that it indulges only in Netflix titles, ranging from films, series, and stand-up specials.
A new feature launched exclusively for the mobile devices, Fast Laughs offers a full-screen feed of funny clips from Netflix’s comedy catalogue, including films (Murder Mystery), series (Big Mouth), sitcoms (The Crew) and stand-up from comedians like Kevin Hart and Ali Wong, according to a statement released by the streaming platform.
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“Fast Laughs lets you add series, films and stand-up specials to your list, or start viewing them immediately. You can also share the clips individually on Whatsapp, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter – so your friends can get in on the fun too,” the statement added.
The statement, however, did not clarify if these short videos can be shared and viewed by non-subscribers of Netflix as well.
In a departure from TikTok and and Instagram Reels, there is no information available on how subscribers can upload their own videos and clips.
The feature, however, is not yet available to iPhone users in India and there is no confirmation about when it will be available for Android users.
TikTok, along with other Chinese apps, were banned in 2020 by the Central government after the India-China stand-off in the disputed territory of Ladakh.