Netflix Planning To Raise Prices For Ad-Free Plans

Price hikes on price hikes

Netflix is raising prices... again. According to The Wall Street Journal, the streaming giant is planning to hike pices a few months after the Hollywood actors' strike. While the exact timing and magnitude of the price hike remain unknown, the US and Canada will be among the first markets to experience the change.

Netflix's latest price increase follows a trend among major streaming services. Over the past year, the cost of streaming has risen by an average of 25%. This upward trend has forced cost-conscious customers to switch to more affordable ad-supported plans.

Earlier this year, Netflix discontinued its cheapest basic ad-free tier in the US and UK, which was priced at $9.99 per month. As a result, the cheapest commercial-free plan now starts at $15.49 per month. Disney+ Premium will increase its ad-free streaming plans starting October 12, with the cost rising from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, representing a 27% increase. Amazon Prime Video will introduce ad-supported plans next year, pushing their cheapest ad-free plan up to $17.98 per month.

The cheapest commercial-free plan now starts at $15.49 per month

In addition to price hikes, streaming providers are exploring new tiers that focus on exclusive programming, such as live sports. For instance, Disney is considering a live sports tier for markets outside of the US, while Warner Bros. Discovery plans to add live sports to its Max streaming service, commanding an additional $9.99 per month.

One significant factor influencing Netflix's decision to raise prices may be the conclusion of the Hollywood actors' strike. As the strike ends, production costs are expected to rise, potentially leading to higher subscription fees for streaming services like Netflix.

For consumers, the potential price hike raises questions about the value proposition of streaming services. As prices increase, customers may need to evaluate whether the benefits of ad-free, exclusive content justify the higher cost. This decision may vary depending on individual viewing preferences, budget constraints, and the availability of alternative streaming platforms.

One alternative to the ad-free plans is opting for ad-supported streaming services. These plans often come at a lower cost or even for free, as the revenue is generated through advertisements displayed during content playback. While some viewers may find the ads intrusive, others may consider them a reasonable trade-off for accessing a wide range of content at a reduced price.

Major streaming services have struggled in recent times, and many believe the golden age of streaming has ended. As the leading player in the industry, all eyes are on Netflix to see how it adjusts its pricing strategy in the coming months. The company's approach will not only shape its own future but may also influence the broader streaming landscape.

Also read: Amazon Prime Video To Start Showing Ads Early 2024