Netflix has introduced a new live vote feature that'll let you decide the outcome of some shows — but not everyone will be able to use it

• Netflix is introducing a new feature that'll let you vote during live events
• It'll make its debut alongside new competition show Star Search
• It's only available on specific devices and at certain times

Netflix has announced a new feature that'll allow viewers to vote during live broadcasts of specific TV shows.

In a press release on the Netflix newsroom, the streaming giant revealed users will be able to vote in real time on select titles.

Beginning today (January 20) with Netflix's rebooted version of music competition series Star Search, audience members can use the interactive tool to, say, vote to prevent their favorite performer from being eliminated.

The star-based system, which allows you to rate something from one to five stars (out of five), is viewed as an extension of the current thumb-based rating system that Netflix employs for all of its content. This feature, which lets you provide feedback to Netflix to tell if you didn't like, liked, or loved one of its movies, shows, or documentaries, has been in place for a number of years on the world's best streaming service.

How does Netflix's new live voting feature work?

To participate during a real-time vote, you'll need to be watching the Netflix app on supported devices. These include Smart TVs, mobile phones, streaming devices – think Roku and Fire TV sticks, and Apple TV – and game consoles. You won't be able to vote if you're watching Netflix via a web browser, so you'll need to switch to your phone or TV if you're logged into Netflix on a laptop or desktop computer.

When it's time to vote, an on-screen notification will pop up telling you that the vote is now live. When prompted, use your TV remote's directional pad to select how many stars you want to give, or tap the number of stars on your mobile phone screen to make your decision.

There are a couple of caveats to be aware of. For one, you'll only have a specific amount of time to cast your vote. If you rewind the live episode or pause it for any reason, or can only catch it on demand, you'll miss the voting window. Additionally, you'll only be able to cast your vote once per prompt so, once you've submitted, your decision is final. Lastly, the voting interface is only available in English, so non-English speakers might struggle to understand what to do.

Netflix has confirmed there'll be multiple votes per event, so there'll be many opportunities to shape the outcome of each live episode.

A fun new feature, but it won't benefit everyone

Netflix's latest feature isn't a new idea, but it's nonetheless a welcome addition to its interactive repertoire that's designed to make passive viewers engage with the live content they're watching.

The only current downside to its introduction is that it'll only benefit those living in North and South America.

Indeed, with new installments of live programs like Star Search beginning at 6pm PT / 9pm ET, such start times aren't conducive for users who live in other territories. And, as I outlined above, you can't cast your vote outside of the live viewing window. If, say, someone in the UK wants to vote on a series like Star Search, they'd have to stay up really late to do so.

Netflix has indicated that it'll utilize this feature for other live events, so subscribers outside of the Americas should be able to take advantage of it in other capacities, such as the streamer's expansion into live sports. It remains to be seen, though, how such a feature would work when, say, an NFL match is being broadcast live on Netflix, or whether it'll be a novelty feature that'll soon lose its appeal. We'll have to see how popular it is on programs like Star Search before it's potentially put to use elsewhere.

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