It looks like many different Netflix members are making the decision to cancel their subscriptions over a huge plan change. It’s no surprise that the streaming service has been actively making changes to perform better in a modern streaming era with many different competitors.
As for this change, however, it seems like the streaming service went a little too far for some members. The change will be effecting viewers in the UK and Canada. This fits the streaming service’s format of rolling out changes in different territories before expanding to others.
Here are some details about the change:
“A mass email to customers explained that Netflix will be ending their basic ad-free subscription in the UK and Canada later this year.” As such, subscribers with the platform’s basic plan will be effected. As Metro UK added, it “will automatically be enrolled on the company’s lowest tier – which includes advertisements inserted into TV shows and movies.”
Netflix already introduced different price tiers in 2023 which included a basic £7.99 per month ad-free plan. It’s the members on this particular plan that, upon this year’s new change, will be sent down to a £4.99 tier. However, while the former was ad-free, this one will include advertisements. On the bright side, it looks like the 720p quality will be increased to 1080p – albeit with ads in between.
If subscribers wish to avoid advertisements, then they’ll have to upgrade to the £10.99 per month plan. Additionally, this plan will allow users to watch multiple devices at a time. For those willing to pay £17.99 for their membership, they’ll receive Ultra HD content, in addition to the usage of four devices at a time.
The change is something that users aren’t particularly happy about. Here are some of the complaints shared on X where Netflix subscribers have threatened to delete their accounts and cancel subscriptions due to the decision:
Dumb move, because I’ll just cancel any service that starts overcharging or forces ads. I signed up for streaming services to avoid the damn ads and I’ve been very loyal, especially to Netflix whose early years selections’ were not premium by any measure…
— Oberje (@Oberje) May 1, 2024
People don’t like ads.
It’s why I stopped watching @YouTube.
It’s why I canceled @PrimeVideo.
It’s why I will soon cancel @netflix.Find a better way to sell products.
— BLU3JAY (@BLU3JAY3) April 30, 2024
I just cancelled my Netflix subscription for the first time since I subscribed in 2012, I got locked in to a £4.99 basic plan which never rose, until this week when they’ve decided to add adverts to my tier 💀. (I’m also moving soon but still pfffft Netflix.)
— Lauryn McBadger (@BadgerSpanner) April 30, 2024
It’s certainly an interesting step forward to Netflix, and one which suggests a variety of new changes to come. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the streaming platform and other such services as we have them.