Netflix reveals how it has subtly improved the image quality of your favorite movies and series, focusing on the film grain.
Grains and benefits
Netflix has introduced a new technology called “AV1 Film Grain Synthesis” (FGS) aimed at enhancing the image quality of its movies and series while reducing file sizes and optimizing streaming performance. This advancement began to be implemented globally in March 2025 and is currently available on compatible devices.
Film grain is an element that gives movies their unique character, providing a depth that often gets lost in digital versions. Many films shot with digital cameras can appear overly sharp and perfect, detracting from the authenticity of the viewing experience. To address this, Netflix has developed a technique that allows for a more analog appearance in productions.
The FGS technology works by analyzing the original video to identify its grain pattern and texture, comparing the original material with a distorted version to highlight the differences. By adjusting the grain intensity according to different scenes, considering factors like light and color, the effect of grain can be recreated on the user's device without increasing the size of the streamed file.
During A/B testing, Netflix observed that FGS not only improves image quality but also reduces bitrate and bandwidth requirements, minimizes playback errors, decreases rebuffering, and shortens start time. These enhancements result in a more stable and enjoyable streaming experience for users.
While it is recommended to have a playback device that supports this new feature, there is still no clarity on which specific titles will benefit from this technology or the necessary hardware requirements. However, Netflix’s blog mentions that productions like “They Cloned Tyrone” and "Dept. Q" are recommended examples. To access FGS streams, users may need to disable the HDR option in the settings menu.
