Why Does Netflix Ask “Are You Still Watching”?

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Netflix’s “Are You Still Watching” feature was designed to reduce unnecessary bandwidth usage for both Netflix and the customer. It also helps to ensure that users don’t lose their place in their favorite shows. The text usually prompts after an extended period of inactivity. Usually, it occurs when you keep the autoplay turned on and don’t click on anything for a while.

Netflix is the most popular streaming service, with millions of subscribers worldwide. The company is always looking for ways to improve the user experience. The “Are You Still Watching” feature is one of the many ways they do this. However, this feature can be annoying for some users.

If you’re one of those, who find the “Are You Still Watching” feature annoying, keep reading this article to find out further details on why Netflix asks this and how to turn it off.

Why Does Netflix Ask “Are You Still Watching”?

As per Netflix, the main reason for the “Are You Still Watching” prompt is to help users manage their limited internet data. Especially if you are watching something on a limited data plan, you will more frequently get this prompt. Just like any other streaming service, Netflix uses a lot of data.

According to Netflix, a single hour of standard definition video can use up to 1GB of data. And an hour of high-definition video can use up to 3GB of data. So, if you’re on a limited data plan, the “Are You Still Watching” prompt can help you manage your data usage when you binge-watch your favorite show and fall asleep or forget to pause the show.

In addition to helping users manage their data, the “Are You Still Watching” prompt also helps Netflix save on bandwidth costs. The more data you use, the more it costs Netflix. So, by prompting users to confirm they’re still watching, Netflix can save on some of its bandwidth costs.

So, although you might find the “Are You Still Watching” prompt annoying, it’s actually there to help you and Netflix.

How to Disable the “Are You Still Watching” Prompt

There is no direct way to disable the “Are You Still Watching” prompt on Netflix. However, there is a straightforward solution for this. You can simply turn off the autoplay feature. When you turn off the autoplay feature, the next episode of the show you are watching won’t be automatically played.

To turn off the autoplay feature, log in to your Netflix account from a web browser and click on your “Profile” icon. Now go to “Manage Profiles” and tap on your profile to access the profile settings page. Now uncheck the box for “Autoplay next episode in a series for all devices.” That’s it; this will turn off the autoplay feature.

Keep in mind that this will not only disable the “Are You Still Watching” prompt but also the autoplay feature for all devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Are You Still Watching” prompt is designed to help users manage their data usage and save on bandwidth costs for Netflix. If you find this feature annoying, you can simply turn off the autoplay feature from your profile settings page.

Do you find the “Are You Still Watching” prompt helpful or annoying? Let us know in the comments below.