Netflix has officially launched support for HDR10+ streaming, expanding its HDR ecosystem beyond Dolby Vision and HDR10. The new format is now available on AV1-enabled devices for subscribers on the Premium plan, marking a significant step in delivering more immersive and accurate picture quality — particularly for devices that previously defaulted to static HDR10.
For Netflix, this is a continuation of its long-term investment in HDR. Since debuting HDR support with Marco Polo in 2016, the platform has amassed over 11,000 hours of HDR content, with HDR streaming increasing more than 300% in the last five years. And while Dolby Vision continues to deliver premium quality for many viewers, HDR10+ now offers an alternative dynamic metadata format for a broader range of devices — particularly those not equipped with Dolby Vision support.
Why HDR10+ Matters
What makes HDR10+ compelling is dynamic metadata, which allows Netflix to optimize tone mapping on a scene-by-scene — even frame-by-frame — basis. Static HDR10 metadata applies a one-size-fits-all profile to the entire piece of content, often resulting in clipped highlights or overexposed shadows. By contrast, HDR10+ improves perceptual fidelity, preserving detail and creative intent throughout.
The shift is especially relevant for Netflix’s darker, high-contrast originals. HDR10+ helps mitigate the muddiness often seen in non-HDR displays, restoring the subtle nuances — all those “various shades of gray” — that define modern prestige TV.
Powered by AV1
Netflix is leveraging AV1, the efficient codec standardized by the Alliance for Open Media in 2018, to deliver HDR10+ streams. Originally adopted to improve SDR playback on mobile and reduce data usage, AV1 is now a major part of Netflix’s broader encoding strategy. AV1-SDR is already Netflix’s second most-streamed codec after H.264/AVC, and with the addition of HDR10+ support, Netflix expects AV1 to eventually become its most-streamed codec overall.
Netflix has already begun rolling out HDR10+ support to both new releases and popular legacy titles. Today, HDR10+ accounts for 50% of all eligible viewing hours, and the company aims to make the format available across its full HDR catalog by the end of the year.
Compatibility and Rollout
To stream HDR10+ content on Netflix, members need a Premium subscription and a device that supports both AV1 and HDR10+. This includes many modern smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets that meet Netflix’s certification requirements. The title itself must be available in HDR10+, and HDR settings must be enabled within the Netflix app. For users on compatible devices, the result should be an immediate visual upgrade — especially on screens that previously relied solely on HDR10.
The Business Angle
This isn’t just about prettier pixels. Netflix’s move here strengthens its competitive edge on several fronts. Supporting all major HDR formats — Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ — reduces friction with hardware partners and ensures consistent quality across a broad range of devices. Integrating HDR10+ within the AV1 codec not only improves visual quality but also helps control bandwidth costs, a critical factor as more users stream 4K and HDR content. Most importantly, this expansion continues to reinforce Netflix’s commitment to maintaining creative integrity and delivering top-tier streaming experiences at scale.
