- Netflix told Arab News ahead of the launch that users can now access all available dubbing and subtitle options for any movie.
- “The update responds to thousands of language availability requests per month,” Netflix said.
LONDON: Netflix is expanding its language support on TV, giving users access to all available dubbing and subtitle options for any film, the company told Arab News exclusively ahead of the official announcement on Tuesday.
“As more of our subscribers enjoy shows and movies from around the world (nearly a third of all viewing on Netflix is for stories not in English), subtitles and dubbing are more important than ever,” the company said in a statement shared with Arab News ahead of the official announcement.
“That's why, starting today, when you watch Netflix on your TV, you'll be able to choose from a full list of available languages for any movie.”
Previously, users were limited to five to seven languages depending on their settings and location. The update, which makes dubbing available in 36 languages and subtitles in 33 languages, depending on the title, responds to “thousands of language availability requests per month,” Netflix said, adding that it also benefits users learning a new language by giving them more control over their viewing experience.
“We offer several additional features to support language learning, including the ability to customize subtitles and a 'browse by language' feature on PC. These helpful features increase the accessibility of our shows and movies while supporting those who are multilingual,” the statement said.
A 2020 study commissioned by Netflix in partnership with the UN World Commission found that 36 percent of people who watched Spanish-language content were interested in learning the language, compared with 15 percent of those who did not.
In recent years, Netflix has expanded its non-English content strategy, investing in films and series from different countries and languages. Korean and Spanish content together accounted for 16 percent of global viewership in the first half of 2024, with notable examples being The Squid Game and Money Heist.
Netflix plans to release four original Arabic-language series and films this year following the success of The Exchange, Al Rawaby School for Girls, Honeymoon, From the Ashes and Dubai Glitter.
