In a move to streamline its subscription offerings and boost revenue, Netflix is pushing forward with its plan to phase out the least expensive, ad-free basic tier for existing subscribers in Canada and the UK. Recent reports and social media posts, including Reddit, suggest that Netflix is prompting basic plan users to select a new plan to continue their subscriptions. A Reddit user shared a notification received on their Netflix app, indicating that users paying USD 11.99 per month for the basic plan will need to opt for either the USD 6.99 ad-supported tier, the USD 15.49 ad-free tier, or the USD 22.99 ad-free 4K premium plan by July 13th to keep watching.
The decision to discontinue the basic plan for existing subscribers in Canada and the UK aligns with Netflix’s strategy to drive users towards its ad-supported and premium tiers. This change aims to provide more value through enhanced tiers and optimize revenue growth. While the company eliminated the basic plan for new or returning members in the US, Canada, and the UK last year, the phase-out for existing subscribers in the US has not been specified yet.
Netflix’s pricing page for both Canada and the UK now states that the ‘Basic plan has been discontinued,’ giving subscribers the option to change their plan at any time. It’s evident that Netflix is focusing on diversifying its subscription offerings and steering users towards higher-tier plans in select regions. In contrast, there are no ad-supported tiers in India yet, where Netflix offers four plans – mobile, basic, standard, and premium, with the basic plan priced at Rs 199 per month.
As part of these changes, Netflix aims to enhance its subscription model by emphasizing ad-supported and premium tiers, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences and usage patterns. With the deadline for existing subscribers in Canada and the UK approaching, the transition to new plans signifies a shift towards a more streamlined and value-driven approach for Netflix users in these regions. Stay tuned for further updates on how these changes impact the streaming landscape and user preferences.
