Netflix has started testing a new AI-based voice search feature with a small number of users in the United States. The streaming company recently launched this beta feature, which lets selected users search for movies and TV shows by speaking simple voice commands instead of typing.
Reports from tech websites like The Verge say the feature currently works on some devices, including Chromecast with Google TV and TCL Google TV. However, it is not available yet on Roku or Fire TV devices.
Users can use the feature by pressing a special Netflix button on their remote. This opens ready-made suggestions such as “watch it in the background” or “I need a good cry.” These prompts quickly show content lists based on those moods.
Users can also press an “Ask” button with a waveform icon and speak custom requests like “movies after a long, tiring day.” The system listens to the voice request and gives recommendations in text form only, without speaking back to the user.
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This search tool understands meaning and user intent better than normal keyword search. For example, during testing, the request “fun kids TV shows about death” showed results like A Series of Unfortunate Events and Raising Dion, matching the unusual request correctly. The AI model behind the feature can handle even uncommon searches while also blocking inappropriate results to keep recommendations safe for families.
At the moment, the beta feature has some limitations that Netflix may improve later. It is not connected to Netflix’s personalization system yet, so it does not use a user’s watching history for recommendations.
Mistakes in recommendations are rare, but they can still happen. Netflix has also not announced when the feature will become available for all users, more countries, or only certain subscription plans. The company has not shared any plans for adding voice responses or support for more devices either.
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Early reactions from users on Reddit have been positive. Some users noticed the voice search icon appearing on Google TV devices like Sony A80J models. Many users say the feature makes browsing easier and faster because they do not have to type on small remote keyboards. Since this is a built-in Netflix feature, it does not depend on device assistants like Google Gemini, allowing Netflix to control the full experience.
These tests continue Netflix’s earlier AI search experiments. Last year, Netflix tested AI-powered search features on iPhones in Australia and New Zealand using OpenAI technology for chat-style searches. Those tests focused on mobile devices, while the new version is designed for TV streaming devices. As Netflix develops more AI tools, this feature could change how millions of people find movies and shows on the platform.