FAQ
Questions, answered.
The short version of everything a visitor asks. Anything missing, write to support@watchlyst.app.
Is WatchLyst free?
Yes. The app is free, and it stays free. If we ever add paid extras, the app you use today will not be one of them.
What phones does it run on?
iPhone. WatchLyst ships through the App Store, first as a TestFlight beta and then publicly. Android is coming.
When does the beta open?
We don't give dates we can't keep. A small pre-beta runs first with invited testers; then the beta opens through a link. Join the WaitLyst and you'll be told first.
Do I have to rate films?
No. You react. Loved, Liked, Seen, Disliked, or Not Seen, with one gesture each. There are no stars, no numbers, and nothing to write. Taste is not a democracy.
What if I'm not sure whether I've seen a film?
Swipe left: Not Seen. That keeps the film on BackLyst, so if it's worth your time it comes back as a recommendation. Marking it Seen when you can't remember it only hides it.
What is a Face-Off?
Two films you've seen, side by side. You pick the better one. Each pick nudges both films in your canon and teaches the engine the fine print of your taste. If you can't decide, you skip it; nothing is lost.
What are BackLyst, MyLyst, and NextLyst?
BackLyst is films picked for your taste, ordered by how sure the engine is you'll love them; the more you use it, the better it gets. MyLyst is what you've seen, sorted into your own tiers from Masterpiece to Hated. NextLyst is what you'll watch next.
What happens to my data?
WatchLyst collects the minimum it needs: your email and your taste. We never track you across other apps or websites, and we never sell your personal information. The pre-beta is a preview, and everything in it, your account included, is erased when WatchLyst launches. The full policy is on the privacy page.
Where does the film data come from?
From TMDB, The Movie Database, used under license. Every poster, cast list, and streaming detail in WatchLyst is TMDB's work, and we're proud to build on it.
Can I import my Letterboxd or other lists?
Not today. WatchLyst learns from your own swipes, and the first version is about how fast that works. An import would skip the part we most want to measure.
Does it tell me where to watch a film?
Yes. Each film's page shows where it's streaming, renting, or available to buy in the US, with your own services first. If the service is on your phone, one tap opens the film there.
How do I reach a person?
support@watchlyst.app. One person reads it, and that person built the app.