Netflix will now impose ads on some of its subscribers, here’s who will be affected

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you’ll soon be forced to put up with ads on the platform unless you pay more. The streaming giant is in the process of warning affected customers that their offerings will no longer include Netflix Essential from September 2024. Instead, users will be able to access Netflix Standard, which includes ads, for €5.99 per month.

This comes after the Netflix Essential package disappeared in France, with new subscribers no longer able to sign up to the offer and Netflix now forcing existing subscribers to switch plans.

Advertisement or inflated bill on Netflix

Netflix Essential was the streaming platform’s most affordable ad-free offering. It was only available to viewers in 720p and on one device at a time. With Netflix Standard with Ads, image definition is always increased to 1080p on screen.

Netflix says Essential subscribers can upgrade to Netflix Standard to remove ads and go with two screens I pay 7.50 euros more per monthAs a reminder, Netflix Standard costs €13.49 per month excluding the package. For Netflix Premium, which offers access to 4K HDR and the ability to stream on four devices simultaneously, you’ll need to add €14 to your bill. This plan costs €19.99 per month directly through Netflix.

SVOD services have started to impose more severe restrictions on the distribution of advertising to their subscribers. Netflix led the way with its Standard package that included ads and is pushing the move with the removal of its Essential offering. Disney+ has adopted a similar strategy by increasing the price of its Premium subscription and offering a formula that includes ads at the price of its old Premium offering. As for Prime Video, Amazon runs ads there by default and you have to pay an additional €1.99 per month to remove them.