Question regarding Netflix bitrates for different content

kerorohd123

I have a question regarding Netflix bitrates: Why is there such a discrepancy in the maximum bitrate available for different shows?

I’ve noticed a specific pattern: newly released titles often offer high-bitrate options (around 5000–5800 kbps), but after they’ve been on the platform for a few months, the bitrate seems to drop to 2000–3000 kbps or even lower.

I’ve consistently used the Main Profile, as most high-quality WEB-DLs found on external sites use this configuration, and in my experience, it provides the best visual quality. However, for these older titles, I can only seem to analyze/extract the lower-bitrate versions now. Interestingly, the High Profile appears to yield even lower bitrates. Is there still a way to access or trigger those high-bitrate versions for older content?

Germania

kerorohd123 Why is there such a discrepancy in the maximum bitrate available for different shows?

Only Netflix can answer that question

kerorohd123 Main Profile .. in my experience, it provides the best visual quality

in my exprience AV1 is mostly “the best visual quality”

kerorohd123 Is there still a way to access or trigger those high-bitrate versions for older content?

Nope, SF has no influence on NF’s offers ..
.. but with Premium plan you get often AV1 HDR instead AV1 SDR