Popular OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Disney Plus are disrupting the way we consume video. Viewers are abandoning traditional cable in favor of these services. Streaming is cheaper and more convenient, and all you need is a streaming media device such as a smart TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, a computer, or a smartphone to start watching content online.
If you fancy some good, old-fashioned entertainment, chances are you have an account with one — or more — of these streaming platforms. With their user-friendly websites and extensive catalogs, all you have to do to get started is choose a show and press play. However, there are a few tricks you can use to improve your viewing experience and get the most out of your subscription.
Customize Subtitles
Most streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, allow users to change the color, size, and style of subtitles. So if you are watching a foreign film and having a hard time keeping up with the default, automated captions, you can make some changes for a more customized appearance. Any adjustments you make, say on your computer, will also appear on your smart TV and other devices you use to watch online content.
Create Multiple Profiles
Streaming platforms allow users to add multiple profiles and keep users’ ratings and taste preferences specific to their profiles. For instance, if more than one person uses your Amazon Prime Video account, this handy feature allows you to keep everyone’s preferences separate. You will find this feature extremely handy if you have children. The last thing you need is suggestions such as Scooby-Doo when you are browsing for some good, action-packed movies for the weekend.
Limit Binge-Watching
Spending too much time watching TV can be a problem for your health. Therefore, limiting the amount of time you spend watching Netflix on your TV, laptop, or mobile device is imperative. Luckily, there’s a built-in feature known as AutoPlay designed to help viewers control this very behavior. Turn the Auto Play feature off on Netflix or Prime Video to stop the next episode from playing automatically and limit binge-watching. Simply navigate to video settings on your Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video account and disable Auto Play.
Use Parental Control
If you have a family account, you want to make sure that your kids don’t stumble on inappropriate content. You can use the parental control feature available on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, and other streaming platforms to keep track of your children’s viewing. Use this feature to control what your kids are watching. Parental control allows you to restrict users based on age and viewing devices. For instance, you can use parental control to make sure that your kids only watch kids’ shows on their tablets.
Use a VPN to Unlock More Content
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streaming platforms offer different content libraries in different parts of the world. For instance, Netflix subscribers in Australia have access to a significantly smaller catalog compared to users in the United States. However, you can bypass these restrictions using a VPN(Virtual Private Network). VPNs use a series of servers in different parts of the world to avoid these blocks. You can connect to a VPN server location in the US and access more content.
Subscribing to a streaming service is the best way to get your entertainment fix these days. Once you’ve picked the best plan for your viewing needs, start exploring ways to enhance your streaming experience. From customizing subtitles to unlocking more content, these tips and tricks can help you get more out of your subscription.
