Streaming service Netflix launched five years ago with a very specific set of profile icons, and have decided to update them. At long last. The new options include characters from their own shows, because who doesn’t want the best single mom in TV, Steve from Stranger Things, as their calling card?
Netflix hasn’t entirely abandoned its old icons. You can still be a masked superhero lady or a frowning guy with glasses. These options have just been given a little more colour and a slight tweak in design. Along with coloured-in old icons, you can choose from a few Netflix Originals characters.
This is obviously a way for the service to subtly promote its own original programming to users, and help them feel more connected with the shows they do like. You know, a bit like setting a custom image for your Twitter account so you’re no longer a lowly egg-bot.
Netflix also rolled out screensavers last year, and introduced Stories-inspired mobile previews to help better showcase their original shows.
The new profile icons are rolling out on the website, mobile, and TV devices over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you’re still stuck in the middle ages, find out how to set up Netflix and join the world of on-demand streaming.