shudder.com
Finding horror movies and series on popular streaming websites can be difficult for horror fans. Most of the time, horror media is grouped together as one genre. However, real horror fans know that this isn't fair. In the horror genre, there are multiple sub-genres that play an important part in choosing your show. That's where Shudder comes in. Shudder is a streaming website that provides users with a wide range of horror movies and series from different sub-genres, so they can find the perfect show for them.
Shudder is a streaming site designed specifically for horror fans. It is similar to Netflix, but with more blood. Thankfully, the website is surprisingly easy to use!
The AMC Network fully launched their streaming website in 2016. The site claims to provide content for all horror fans, casual fans and super-fans alike delighting in the fastest growing Horror streaming service provider on the web.
Website Design
The website design of Shudder is designed with the viewer's perspective in mind. Indeed, their website design strikingly resembles another streaming website in particular. Shudder mimics similar designs as Netflix, in a few ways.
The Netflix N logo is in the same place as the Shudder logo, and their menu is set up similarly as well. Another similar feature is the way their library is displayed - the boxes are almost in the same exact places.
Although the website looks like a rip-off of another, I believe that Shudder is actually a very suitable platform for horror fans. It operates in the same manner and puts up older content, as well as its own original content.
The website's horror-themed navigation system is my favorite part. When you hover over the words, they squirm like TV static would. There are also various other Easter eggs around the site, as their social media links. Besides their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter links a small ?Stalk Us? is captioned.
Content
There is a large selection of content available on Shudder. Around 500 titles of films and series are on the website.
Some of the films are very exclusive. There is a long list of items that are exclusive to their sites like Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, Channel Zero: Candle Cove, and Haunt. The site produces its own original content called Shudder Originals. All of the shows like Creepshow, Monster Vision, and The Wrath are only viewable on Shudder.
Shudder is a website that curates horror movies into various sub-genres. The curators have broken the genre down even further, and you can find categories like Creature Features, Unhappy Holidays, Smart Slashers, and Flesh-Eating Frenzy. There are many more fun categories as well as collections curated by celebrities.
Shudder TV is another option you will have when signing up for the website. There is a live television feed of horror on this page. It can be great if you want to watch something random.
The Shudder blog is frequently updated with new information on what will be coming out soon. It also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes information that its viewers can enjoy.
Desktop & Mobile Accessibility
It is a great site for streaming.
Desktop accessibility is great. Previously mentioned, Shudder feels almost exactly like Netflix. The major difference is the content. The videos play great. The sound quality is very good. It is a great site for streaming videos
The mobile browser is a replica of the desktop browser. It operates in the same manner. There are no apparent problems with it. However, it is difficult to find a button to download the app, so instead, I just searched for it in the app store.
The app is very visually stunning. It gets more flavor than the website. When you open the app, as it loads the blank screen is an old wall that looks like the wallpaper is peeling. The app is situated differently than the website, but that's a good thing.
The app has been optimized to provide a great benefit. The top right is the settings and the top right is the search bar. The bottom menu is simple and visually appealing. From left to right, the menu reads "Featured," "Shudder TV," Collections, and "Browse." Each category has a small icon that suits its name. My List and Newly Added are the first horizontal lists in view.
Positives
Shudder is an excellent streaming service, Particularly useful for horror fans. The layout is beautiful and streamlined, It is an easy to use site and application. The overall price of the service is great! $4.99 per month if you buy annually is incredible.
The really cool part of the website is accessing Shudder TV. If you don't feel like watching whatever random stream is up, you can check out some other options such as accessing Shudder TV's regular Yule Log burning or the Ghoul Log, which is decorated like Halloween with a pumpkin and accompanied by some spooky noises.
The horror themed navigation buttons are a great addition. Near the social media links it says "Stalk Us," so that was clever. The top menu has static-like letters when you hover on it, like a tv. The logo is an interesting one. It is the Shudder text with all caps in a text that looks similar to the broken mirror glass. Some of the text alsoturns blood red when you hover over it.
The blog provides excellent content, letting users keep up with all of the original material. The 'Behind the Scenes' feature is particularly beneficial, providing a look at shows they enjoy.
Some people may see the title list as a negative because there are some obscure titles included. However, if you are a big horror fan and have seen it all, then the obscure titles are positive because they give you more selection.
Finally, the meticulously curated collections are amazing. The creators handpick the titles that go into them. Guests of the website also have a special spot on the site. Filmmakers, actors, and horror icons alike create lists of their favorite horror movies and series for viewers to enjoy.
Negatives
There are few negative aspects to Shudder. It is a well-put-together site with some great features. Since I have to choose a few things, I will start with their library. The library isn't exactly small, with over 500 titles. However, we hope it continues to grow in the future. It would be great to see them add more mainstream titles to their lineup.
Continuing on the point of the library, some titles are obscure and unheard of. This can be positive or negative. In the case of some, it is a bummer not to see more memorable titles. However, categorization makes it very easy to find something to watch.
Some people may not like that there is no autoplay feature. I was disappointed to find out that the second episode of my series did not automatically play. It is not a huge inconvenience, but I am not sure why this feature was not included in the design.
The search function of Shudder is not very good. Most large streaming sites will search for keywords in movies or titles that are related. In Shudder's case, unless the title has the word you are searching for in it, you are out of luck.
Improvements Needed
This would allow users to add more titles to their collections.
The biggest improvement that could be made for Shudder would be to improve its search functionality. It is a lot easier to be able to search for keywords instead of only titles. Another great improvement would be an expansion of the library, which would allow users to add more titles to their collections.
Summary
To be a fan of horror requires subscribing to Shudder. The site has a sleek design and great web browser compatibility. The content is constantly varied and new, ensuring that there is always something for every horror lover.
This site has many positive aspects, many of which could not be improved. Some of my favorite features include guest collections, sub-genres, and Ghoul-Log.
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