Netflix seems to indicate where he intends to focus his subscription strategy. streaming platform started deleting its cheapest ad-free planreducing the options available to those who prefer to enjoy content without seeing ads.
The new measure applies to the United States and the United Kingdom, although it may expand to other countries in the near future. Note that a similar provision was made in June in Canada, where the cheapest ad-free plan was also removed.
As reported Cord BreakersNetflix users in the UK and US can no longer select this option offered in exchange for £6.99 or $9.99 per month respectively.. This applies both to those who register a new account with the service, as well as to those who reactivate their subscription or want to upgrade from a more expensive plan.
It’s worth clarifying that those who have already signed up for a cheaper, ad-free plan can keep it indefinitely. This means Netflix won’t force you to upgrade to one of the more expensive options or the cheaper ad-supported version released last year. However, if they cancel or change their subscription, they will no longer be able to go back to the previous level.
Netflix starts canceling its cheapest ad-free plan
As noted above, the removal of the cheapest ad-free subscription currently only affects Canada, the US, and the UK. However, nothing prevents us from thinking that these are just the first steps of a strategy that Netflix intends to implement globally. Either promote the option with ads, or incentivize switching to more expensive options..
Thus, in US and UK lands, Netflix now only offers three plans:
- Basic with adsA: $6.99 or £4.99 per month.
- Standard (no ads)A: $15.49 or £10.99 per month.
- Premium (Without advertising)A: $19.99 or £15.99 per month.
How long will it take before a similar measure is applied in other parts of the world? For now, it’s impossible to know. But it would be unwise for that to happen.
Let’s remember that Netflix has made some drastic decisions over the past year to win back subscribers. From running the above plan with ads to charging you extra if it detects you are sharing your account with people you don’t live with. Measures, by the way, were applied with varying success.
In Spain, for example, a cheap, ad-supported subscription has quickly become the preferred option for four out of ten new Netflix users. But this was not the case everywhere. That is why it is logical to think that the company is ready to sacrifice the cheapest subscription, but without ads, to improve the one that comes with ads.
In fact, the Netflix spokesperson did not explain edge why the most affordable ad-free plan was removed. Although he claimed that the £6.99 / £4.99 sponsored content offer is more affordable than anything its competitors offer.
For now, those who subscribe to Netflix in the US, UK, or Canada and don’t want to see ads when playing movies and TV shows, they have no other choice but to choose one of the most expensive plans available.
Source: Hiper Textual
