Netflix Faces Backlash Over Changes to Basic Subscription Plan
Outraged Netflix viewers are threatening to cancel their memberships over a sudden change to its basic package which has been labelled ‘dumb’. A mass email to customers explained that Netflix will be ending their basic ad-free subscription in the UK and Canada later this year. Customers who continue with the basic plan will automatically be enrolled on the company’s lowest tier – which includes advertisements inserted into TV shows and movies. This means that fans will no longer be able to enjoy recent hits such as Baby Reindeer, or Liam Neeson’s critically acclaimed crime drama without enduring ads popping up during the experience.
Background of the Changes
In July 2023, Netflix announced that its basic £7.99-a-month ad-free plan would no longer be available to subscribers, introducing a price tier system that allowed viewers to opt out of adverts. While those paying a little bit more had been able to opt out of receiving advertising during their viewing experience, this won’t remain the case for long.
Details of the New Subscription Plan
- A basic subscription without adverts is currently £7.99 in the UK.
- Under the new system, viewers will be saving more money – now paying £4.99 for the cheapest service.
- Netflix announced that the 720p video quality basic viewers currently enjoy will be upgraded to HD across the board.
Implications and Reactions
Changes will come into effect in the UK and Canada on June 4, with all basic users automatically switching over to the new £4.99 package. The email also advised subscribers that they could upgrade to the standard subscription, at a cost of £10.99 a month – which allows viewers to watch on multiple devices at a time. Meanwhile, the £17.99 premium plan lets fans see their ads in Ultra HD, on four devices at a time.
These changes have left users fuming, with many threatening to cancel their membership altogether.
User Reactions
‘Dumb move because I’ll just cancel any service that starts overcharging or forces ads,’ wrote the user @Oberje.
‘People don’t like ads. It’s why I stopped watching YouTube. It’s why I cancelled Prime Video. It’s why I will soon cancel Netflix. Find a better way to sell products,’ said @BLU3JAY3.
‘Just cancelled my Netflix subscription for the first time since I subscribed in 2012, I got locked into a £4.99 basic plan which never rose, until this week when they’ve decided to add adverts to my tier,’ said @BadgerSpanner.