Netflix has made changes to its subscription plans in the US and UK, removing its $10 Basic tier option. This move comes after the company initially axed the Basic tier in Canada, signaling a shift in its pricing strategy. New and rejoining members in the US and UK will no longer be able to sign up for the Basic tier, but existing members can keep their membership at the current price until they cancel or change their subscription.
According to Cord Busters, Netflix has been directing its audiences towards the Standard Ad-Supported plan for some time now. The Basic plan has been made virtually invisible during the sign-up process, and now it has been completely removed as an option in certain regions. This move effectively eliminates the most affordable plan for users who want to avoid ads. Instead, new and rejoining users in the US will have to pay at least $15.49 per month, while those in the UK will have to pay at least £11 per month to enjoy an ad-free streaming experience.
The Standard plan, which is now the most affordable option, supports streaming on two devices simultaneously and offers content in Full HD. It also allows users to download content for offline viewing on two devices and has the option to add an additional member to the account for an extra fee.
However, the Basic plan worked well for users who were satisfied with HD streaming on a single device, only needed to download content on one phone or tablet, and didn’t require an extra member on their account. With the removal of the Basic plan, new subscribers who don’t want to pay over $5 more for the Standard plan will have to settle for the Standard Ad-Supported tier, which costs $7 per month in the US and £5 in the UK. This plan supports Full HD streams and allows viewing on two devices at a time, similar to the no-ads Standard plan. However, it lacks the offline viewing feature and the option to add a member. Subscribers can expect to see an average of 4 minutes of ads per hour, ranging from 15 to 30 seconds each, which cannot be skipped.
This change in Netflix’s pricing and plan options reflects the company’s focus on increasing revenue and giving users more reasons to upgrade to higher-priced plans. By removing the Basic tier, Netflix is encouraging users to choose plans with additional features and higher monthly costs. This strategy aligns with the company’s efforts to strengthen its position and generate more revenue in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
While some users may be disappointed by the removal of the Basic plan, it is important to remember that streaming services, like Netflix, constantly evaluate and adjust their pricing and offerings based on market demands and the need to remain profitable. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, users can expect further changes and adjustments to subscription plans and pricing structures.
Overall, the removal of the $10 Basic tier option by Netflix in the US and UK signals a strategic shift in the company’s pricing strategy. This change aims to drive users towards higher-priced plans that offer more features, such as ad-free streaming, simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, and offline viewing capabilities. While some users may find the new pricing structure less appealing, it is a reflection of the evolving streaming market and Netflix’s efforts to remain competitive and profitable in this ever-changing industry.
