Netflix don't chill when it comes to switching up subscription plans.
It seems the streaming service has just made a major change to its subscription tiers, and many people are less than impressed with the move.
The streaming giant's current cheapest plan would perhaps work well for those on a tighter budget and who would appreciate a more affordable package.
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As of January 2024, there are three subscription plans, standard with adverts (£4.99 / month), standard (£10.99 / month) and premium (£17.99 / month).
Netflix's 'standard with adverts' plan seems like a pretty good deal as it lets you download on two devices at a time with Full HD video quality.
You have access to mostly all the same shows and an unlimited amount of video games.
The two main drawbacks are, of course, adverts in between shows, and that some movies and TV programmes are unavailable with the basic plan.
Plus no Ultra HD if you're into that high definition vibe.
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Now, with the introduction of the new plan, this means that one of its most popular ad-free plans is no longer available.
Netflix's most basic ad-free experience offered users ad-free 720p video and a single video stream for jut £6.99 / month.
Especially with smaller and older TVs, the 720p definition wouldn't have been much of a notable difference to 1080p.
But sadly, the plan is now unavailable to new and rejoining users, despite the cheaper plan having previously done wonders for the streaming service.
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On its website, Netflix warns: "The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until your plan is changed or your account is canceled."
"The thing we’re really excited about is the engagement,” explained Netflix's president of advertising Amy Reinhard, who spoke last week at the Variety Entertainment Summit at CES 2024 at Las Vegas’ Aria Resort and Casino.
“We’re very fortunate to be able to take a long-term perspective on this.
“Scaling our business is absolutely our biggest priority right now, but we want to make sure we’re doing that in a meaningful way for the members.
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“We know there’s a lot of work to do on our side, but we’re all about learning and iterating and working with our advertising partners to figure out, ‘How do we grow this business in a meaningful way?'”
She said that out of Netflix’s ad-supported customers, more than 85 percent are streaming on the platform for two hours or more per month.
LADbible has contacted Netflix for further comment.
You can take a look at all of Netflix's current packages below:
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Standard with adverts - £4.99 / month
-Advert-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games
-Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
-Watch in Full HD
-Download on 2 supported devices at a time
Standard - £10.99 / month
-Unlimited advert-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
-Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
-Watch in Full HD
-Download on 2 supported devices at a time
-Option to add 1 extra member who doesn't live with you
Premium - £17.99 / month
-Unlimited advert-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
-Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
-Watch in Ultra HD
-Download on 6 supported devices at a time
-Option to add up to 2 extra members who don't live with you
-Netflix spatial audio
Topics: Netflix, TV and Film, Money
Anish Vij