What will you learn?
1. Why is Netflix removing the cheapest ad-free subscription?
2. What are the reactions of Netflix users to this decision?
3. What are the alternatives for users who previously used the ad-free plan?
4. What steps is Netflix taking to combat password sharing?
5. How will Netflix's decisions impact its future amid growing competition?
Subscribers will have to either switch to a more expensive plan or face watching ads. This decision has sparked a wave of criticism, with users accusing the company of "pure greed."
End of the ad-free subscription
Since July last year, Netflix has prevented new or returning users from signing up for the "Basic" plan, but existing subscribers could still use it. However, by July 31, this plan will be completely withdrawn. Users are outraged, accusing the company of focusing solely on profits and disregarding viewing comfort.
The "Basic with adverts" plan debuted in November 2022 as an alternative to the existing ad-free plan for £6.99. Netflix is now withdrawing this plan, attempting to force users towards the ad-supported version, which brings the company additional revenue from advertisers. Among the outraged users, opinions are emerging that this is "the last straw" and that Netflix is driven solely by greed.
User reactions and Netflix's future
Many users have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, including Twitter, describing Netflix's move as "the last straw." One user wrote that Netflix "can f*** off with their adverts," and the company has been accused of "pure greed."
Since the introduction of the ad-supported plan in 2022, Netflix assured that "nothing about the way you watch Netflix is going to change." However, now that the ad-free plan is disappearing, users have the choice to either watch ads for £4.99/month or pay significantly more to avoid them.
Netflix is also intensifying its fight against password sharing, forcing users to pay an additional fee if one account is used in more than one household. The decision to remove the cheapest ad-free plan may be an attempt to increase revenue in the face of growing competition from services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
