Netflix Is Trying Out a New AI Search Tool Powered by OpenAI

Netflix is working on something cool to make finding shows and movies easier: a new AI-powered search engine built with tech from OpenAI, the folks behind ChatGPT. Right now, they’re testing it out in Australia and New Zealand to see how it works before bringing it to more people.

The idea is to let you search in a more natural way. Instead of just typing a movie title or an actor’s name, you can say what you’re in the mood for. Feeling “happy”? You might get suggestions for funny comedies or feel-good films. Want something “sad”? It could point you toward heartfelt dramas. This makes picking something to watch feel more personal and fun.

The feature kicked off on April 11, 2025, and it’s only available on iPhones and iPads for now. Netflix’s said they’re taking it slow, listening to what users think to make it better. They’re planning to bring it to the U.S. soon, but they haven’t said when it’ll hit Android phones or smart TVs. You can choose to try it out or stick with the usual search, it’s totally up to you.

This new tool comes as OpenAI has been making waves with its own AI search stuff, like SearchGPT, which pulls in info from the web. Netflix jumping on board shows how AI is starting to change the way we interact with apps and services. They haven’t spilled all the details about how they’re working with OpenAI, but it’s clear they want to keep up with the latest trends to stay ahead in the streaming world.

There are still some big questions, like whether this will work smoothly for millions of users or if it’ll really change how we browse. For now, Netflix is focused on tweaking it based on what early testers say. It’s an exciting step toward making your next binge-watch easier to find.