Netflix subscribers are up in arms over a recent change to the basic package, which many have criticized as ill-advised. In a mass email to customers, Netflix announced that it would discontinue its ad-free basic subscription in the UK and Canada later this year.
Those who remain on the basic plan will be automatically moved to the lowest tier, which includes advertisements during TV shows and movies. This means that popular titles like “Baby Reindeer” and Liam Neeson’s crime drama will no longer be uninterrupted by ads.
Back in July 2023, Netflix had initially announced the end of its £7.99-a-month ad-free plan, introducing a tiered pricing system that allowed subscribers to opt out of ads by paying a bit more. However, under the new change, this option will no longer be available.
Currently, the basic subscription without ads costs £7.99 in the UK. With the new system, subscribers will save money, as the cheapest service will now be £4.99. Additionally, Netflix announced that the video quality for basic viewers will be upgraded to HD, enhancing the overall viewing experience, though ads will still be present.
This shift is primarily driven by financial considerations, with Netflix estimated to have earned $1 billion (£797 million) from advertising revenue this year, a significant increase from 2023. The new £4.99 package will automatically apply to all basic users in the UK and Canada starting June 4.
The email also informed subscribers of the option to upgrade to the standard subscription for £10.99 a month, allowing simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. Alternatively, the premium plan priced at £17.99 per month offers ads in Ultra HD and allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously.
