Netflix’s new INKubator studio will produce animated short films using artificial intelligence

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Netflix has built a new in-house studio called INKubator that aims to use artificial intelligence to produce short-form animated content: The streamer is hiring for a wide range of roles, including producers, software engineers and computer CG artists to hire INKubator, according to a number of recently published job listings.

Netflix has not yet publicly announced its plans for INKubator, which job listings also sometimes refer to as INK. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A few LinkedIn profiles indicate that the unit was quietly launched in March. That includes her leadership Serena Iyerwho previously held strategic and operational roles at DreamWorks Animation, MRC Studios and A24 Films.

INKubator is just Netflix’s latest push into using AI in production. Earlier this year, that I got InterPositivean artificial intelligence startup founded by Ben Affleck. But while InterPositive primarily focuses on using AI in post-production, INKubator seems to go much further: List of INKubator’s CTO He calls her “Our next-generation, creativity-led, GenAI-powered animation studio,” with plans to “connect innovation with imaginative storytelling.”

INKubator’s long-term tech strategy will focus on “GenAI-enabled workflows, artist tools, and secure, scalable multi-rendering environments,” according to the listing, suggesting this is about more than just one-off experiences. “We aim to develop high-quality content” Confirms Another list.

At least for now, Netflix has no plans to produce the next installment Demon hunters in kpop With artificial intelligence. Instead, INKubator will be about “creating animated shorts and specials using GenAI’s original experimental production lines,” one of the listings says. He puts it down.

However, at least one job listing suggests the company is already thinking about taking the technology beyond shorts. INKubator’s CTO will “ensure that INK’s technology investments accelerate creative ambition (…) as we ramp up activity and… Aiming to expand into longer content“,” existing For this position it states (emphasis added).

Netflix will likely use AI-generated short-form content in different ways. The streamer recently revamped its mobile app, Add a vertical video feed inspired by TikTok They are called clips. For now, this feed only includes trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and other promotional content for its long-form programming. However, one can imagine that streaming could one day include original short stories, including short films created by artificial intelligence.

The streaming company is also making efforts to establish itself as a kid-safe alternative to YouTube by bringing content creators like Ms. Rachel to its platform. Generative AI could be one way for Netflix to expand its programming for kids and compete with the torrent of videos targeting kids on YouTube.

YouTube Original Studios was among the first companies to use generative AI for animation. Animaj, the studio that produces the popular children’s program PocoyoIt’s been talked about loudly Integrating artificial intelligence In production line since 2024. Toonstar, creator of the YouTube series Stephen and Parker, It also uses artificial intelligence.

However, there has also been significant backlash against the use of AI in animation. Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki Known as artificial intelligence “An insult to life itself,” and trade unions representing animators from multiple countries Organized a protest Against Generative Artificial Intelligence at the 2025 Annecy Animation Film Festival.

Efforts to spread the use of artificial intelligence in animation outside of Hollywood have also faced setbacks. AI animation company Invisible Universe, which I wrote about the past yearwill be shutting down its creator platform, Invisible Studio, by June 1. Tricia Biggio, CEO of Invisible Universe, told me in an email this week that her company is focused on moving forward with enterprise customers.