Netflix is rolling out a new subtitle option that displays only spoken dialogue, removing additional audio cues like “[phone buzzing]” or “[dramatic music swells]” commonly found in its Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC).
This new option aims to offer a less cluttered viewing experience for those who prefer minimal subtitles without extra sound descriptions.
The feature is currently available in English and is being introduced gradually, starting with Netflix originals such as Season 5 of You. According to Netflix spokesperson Dorian Rosenberg, the company is “actively exploring ways to expand this option to existing titles over time.”
This update comes as subtitle usage becomes increasingly common. Netflix reports that nearly half of all viewing hours in the U.S. involve subtitles or captions.
A CBS News poll echoes this trend, revealing that 50% of Americans regularly use them, whether to keep the volume low or compensate for compressed streaming audio on budget speakers.
To access the new subtitle format, users can head to the language picker on any supported title, navigate to the English tab, and select the basic English option. The traditional English (CC) option with full audio cues remains available for those who prefer a more descriptive subtitle experience.
