Who isn’t familiar with Netflix? Although many individuals have never used Netflix, the streaming platform is well known among people as a popular streaming service. The purpose of this article is to provide you with an understanding of what Netflix is all about before you use it yourself.
You will find everything you need to know about Netflix in this review, including Netflix pros and cons. Not only that, but we will also show you how you can download Netflix movies and shows offline, so you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere!
Let’s start.
What’s Netflix All About?
Netflix is one of the most popular and popular streaming subscription-based services in the American market, which allows its subscribers to stream a wide range of movies, network television shows, documentaries, and movies on any device with an internet connection without having to watch any commercials.
Netflix was founded in 1997 and pioneered.
First, let’s take a look at the advantages of Netflix. The first benefit of Netflix is an enormous plethora of content is available for streaming, in the form of TV shows, movies, etc. Want to download Netflix movies and shows offline? Its ad-free content downloading feature allows downloading for offline viewing. The next advantage of Netflix is the ability to stream in 4K Interactive users interface. What more, its user-friendly multiple viewership allows streaming in various devices at once depending on the subscription plan. The last benefit of Netflix is the structured pricing plans and compatibility with various devices such as mobile devices, tablets and televisions.
Now for the disadvantage of Netflix. Downloading feature does not allow users to download every content from Netflix; only limited variety is allowed for downloading. Besides that, there are geofencing-regional restrictions on various TV shows and movies. Lastly, the disadvantages of Netflix are delayed updates with no live channels or sports.
Netflix started from the concept of renting DVDs and movies through the mail. While it originally started as a DVD service, Netflix launched online streaming in 2007, which has boosted its popularity, giving birth to many similar competitive services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV etc. It has been several years since Netflix streaming services have become available on a variety of devices, so that users are able to stream all the content that they want on their favorite devices, such as Xbox, Apple devices, Android devices, TVs, and so on. Today, Netflix can be found in almost every household.
A significant name in online entertainment, Netflix is arguably one of the premium streaming video service providers as of now. It has consistently seen an exponential growth with a whopping 158 million paying subscribers worldwide! In over 190 countries, this streaming giant offers a wide range of network television shows, documentaries, and movies.
Let’s talk about all the features of Netflix…
Handy Features of Netflix
One benefit of Netflix is that you can stream Netflix TV shows and movies in 4K resolution, which is fantastic.
This handy feature of Netflix also allows streaming on multiple devices at once, which is one of the next perks of Netflix. One Netflix account can be used by the entire family and friends with the share price of the subscription plan. Plus, users can even make their own profiles on a single Netflix account, for a more customized viewing experience.
Another benefit of Netflix is that through its built-in download feature, users can also download their favorite movies and shows. There are also various subtitles and closed captions, dubbed content, as well as audio descriptions available, leading to the next perks of Netflix.
Another benefit of Netflix is that you will find countless movies, TV shows, films, seasons, series, kids’ content, documentaries, as well as content from various other networks, that too in genres you can think of. In this context, we are referring to sci-fi, fantasy, romance, comedy, horror, thrillers, suspense, and so on.
Let’s also not forget about the tons of Netflix original and exclusive content that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Last but not least, the perks of Netflix are that you will also be able to watch some of the biggest mega-hits, blockbusters, and award-winning shows and movies that are quite popular in many parts of the world.
Another benefit of Netflix is the possibility to watch a wide range of shows on the network, including those from ABC, CBC, FOX, CW, and AMC. You can also watch original Netflix shows, such as the Squid Game, Maid, Twentysomethings Austin, Selling Tampa, Colin in Black & White, Bridgerton, Master of None, The Crown, The Queen’s Gambit, Virgin River, Tiger King 2, Selling Sunset, among other shows.
How Does Netflix Work?
Smart TVs usually come preloaded with Netflix as an app since it is a well-established name in video streaming. Moreover, you can download its app in mobile phones as well and all you need is a subscription to get started.
With Netflix being ad-free, it earns most of its income from subscriptions. Netflix offers three different subscription plans to the audience, who then pay monthly membership fees to continue enjoying the service.
Netflix Subscription Plans
Before committing to a Netflix subscription, viewers are able to take advantage of a 30-day free trial.
Currently, Netflix offers three subscription plans with very structured pricing. Users can choose any one of these plans that best suit their needs.
Here is the current introductory price of the three Netflix subscription plans:
1. Basic Plan
This is the most basic plan on Netflix. This plan is an Ad-free version and the subscription fee for the streaming service is $8.99 with standard definition viewing and only one screen can be used at a time. Users can access unlimited movies and shows with the streaming service and access is available in standard definition.
2. Standard Plan
When you watch High Definition on two screens at once, it costs $13.99
3. Premium Plan
With the $17.99 plan, you can stream Netflix simultaneously and download 4K Ultra HD content to four screens.
Despite being the leader of binge-watching, Netflix faces serious competition from Hulu and Amazon Prime.
When there are so many service providers to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Though Netflix has revolutionized TV, it also has its drawbacks. We will examine these in more detail.
Our Favorites – Netflix’s Pros
Benefit of Netflix #1: It’s Ad free
You can stream ads-free even with Netflix’s most affordable basic plan, as it has no ads.
Netflix is therefore able to outperform competitors like Hulu who require an additional $4 per month just to avoid commercials.
Benefit of Netflix #2: Multiple Viewership
One advantage of Netflix is that both Netflix’s standard and premium plans allow simultaneous viewing. This allows family members and friends to avail the same subscription and go up to 4 people viewing different screens at one time. Hence, Netflix is flexible in its service.
In fact, it is not uncommon for people to purchase just one subscription (such as a premium plan) and to then share it with their family and friends as part of their social life.
Benefit of Netflix #3: Offline Playback Feature
The next perk of Netflix is users are able to cache content in both standard and high quality formats with Netflix. While there are limitations to the favorite content you can download, Netflix is working to fix that as well.
The best way to use it is when you are in an area with weak internet connection or when you are on a plane.
Benefit of Netflix #4: High Quality Library
Coming up next on the advantage of Netflix is that Netflix ranks the best when it comes to its selection of movies and TV shows. With over 100,000 options, Netflix outshines Hulu.
A wide range of international acclaimed films as well as the most popular TV shows are available on this channel. It also has a collection of original Netflix shows and movies. “Breaking Bad”, “Prison Break”, “Narcos”, etc., are some of the legendary Netflix series.
Furthermore, Netflix offers live-streaming of some of the best 3D movies.
Benefit of Netflix #5: Original programming
With their fresh, original programming, Netflix has continued to impress both users and critics alike with their subscription service. Shifting focus from acquired content, Netflix allocated a ton of their resources to original content and programming. Some highlights of Netflix’s original movies and series include:
The Irishman (Oscar nominated)
House of Cards (Emmy nominated)
Stranger Things (Emmy nominated)
Black Mirror (Emmy winner)
Wild, Wild Country (Emmy winner)
Queer Eye (Emmy winner)
This is just a small sample of Netflix’s critically acclaimed original series in recent years. If you want to check out some Netflix original programming but aren’t ready to commit yet, Netflix is currently offering limited original programming for free, with no sign-up required. Simply visit netflix.com to enjoy a showcase of Netflix-produced movies and TV shows for free. Whether you’re looking to stay up to date on important movies and television shows, or just want to binge-watch classic sitcoms, a Netflix subscription is something you’ll want to consider.
Benefit of Netflix #6: User Friendly in Navigating through a Plethora of Information
Here’s another advantage of Netflix. It is one of the most user-friendly online streaming services out there. After you log in to the service once, you get access to the graphical environment every time you launch the app (for example on your smart TV or smartphone). After you log in to the service once, you get access to the graphical environment every time you launch the app (for example on your smart TV or smartphone).
“User Profiles” is the first menu you will find when you start browsing through the site. In this menu you will be able to select exactly which member of the family is going to watch the movie, resulting in the full movie history of that individual, personalized recommendations, etc.
As soon as you select the user profile, you will be able to access a variety of categories, such as movies, series, and documentaries. You can also easily find which series you have started watching etc.
By using the search tool or browsing through categories, it is easy to navigate through the plethora of information that is provided on this website.
Benefit of Netflix #7: Device Compatibility
What’s the next advantage of Netflix is that streaming Netflix is now possible on all supported and compatible devices. Netflix is touted as the most versatile streaming option as it is compatible with just about any device. All you need is an Internet connection and the Netflix app on your device.
The devices we’re talking about include Android, Apple, Android TV, Apple TV, streaming media players, smart TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, tablets, PCs, laptops, Roku, and many more. Most smartphones, smart TVs, Android TV boxes etc. already have the Netflix app installed. For those of you who don’t have the app already, you can simply download it from one of the app marketplaces (it’s free).
Benefit of Netflix #8: Price
Here are another perks of Netflix. Comparing Netflix to other streaming services, including its premium plan, it is one of the most affordable.
Benefit of Netflix #9: It is affordable.
When speaking of plans, it is fair to mention the price. The perks of Netflix are Netflix really is affordable. There is a $7.99 basic plan with SD resolution, a $10.99 standard plan, and a $13.99 premium plan (HD and Ultra HD). For instance, with the premium plan, you can watch on four screens simultaneously, making this plan ideal for families.
Benefit of Netflix #10: Best Watching Experience
Probably the best binge-watching experience in the market today. With the service, you can get recommendations based on your previous watching history, choose from a variety of series and movies to watch, skip recaps and opening sequences conveniently, and so much more.
Benefit of Netflix #11: No commercials
Although other streaming services have joined the race, Netflix remains the leader in providing an ad-free experience. The advantage of Netflix is all of Netflix’s content library can be viewed without commercials, including programs that originated on network TV.
Your Netflix viewing experience will never include commercials, even with Netflix’s most affordable package. If you’re looking for a way to watch ad-free movies and TV, without paying an extra fee, Netflix is the way to go.
Benefit of Netflix #12: Parental controls on Cartoon Network and animated content
What’s great about the next advantage of Netflix is children can also watch some great Cartoon Network and animated content on Netflix with parental control. This isn’t all: there are tons of movies and shows for the little ones of the family as well. Kids will enjoy watching the popular movies and series in this Kids’ section. Plus, parents will not have to fret over parental guidance in this case.
What We Least Favourite – Cons of Netflix
Disadvantage of Netflix #1: Geolocking
The first disadvantage of Netflix is a variety of shows that you can watch on Netflix depending on the region in which you live. In the US, you have access to a far greater selection of TV shows and movies that might not be available in another region.
However, that’s not the end of the world. Many Netflix subscribers who are traveling abroad will often use a fast VPN service in order to be able to access their favorite Netflix series.
Disadvantage of Netflix #2: Selection depends on your location.
For me, this is the biggest disadvantage of Netflix. In the United States, there is an excellent selection of movies and TV shows. If not, you will probably be pretty disappointed with the offer. So, the content varies by region. Occasionally, there may be some new additions to the content. But don’t expect the content to change drastically, let’s say, within a month.
The following are Netflix’s advantages and disadvantages. Since it offers a whole month of free trial, make sure to try it out. Share your experience with us in the comment section below.
Disadvantage of Netflix #3: Delayed Updates
Infrequent updates are another complaint Netflix users have, making it the third disadvantage of Netflix. While the collection of TV shows on Netflix might be great, it is not the best option when you are following a season that is currently on air.
In contrast to Hulu, which uploads shows by episodes, Netflix uploads shows by seasons, delaying the availability of the latest episode.
Disadvantage of Netflix #4: It will take some time for the new content to become available.
Here’s another disadvantage of Netflix. Netflix does not usually stream the latest episodes of TV shows, even if previous seasons are available. However, episodes of Netflix’s shows will have their premiere right there. The same goes for movies as well. It just takes a while for the new content to become available.
Disadvantage of Netflix #5: Frequent Changes in Library
Netflix is known for changing its lineup of shows and movies every month. This can be disheartening when you’ve begun a series, only to find out it’s being removed from Netflix in a matter of weeks, adding to another disadvantage of Netflix.
This is not done on purpose. Even though Netflix can sometimes benefit from shaking up their catalog, it’s actually something they do for legal reasons. When Netflix acquires the rights to a show or movie, the contract is based on a certain period of time. This means Netflix isn’t exactly buying the content in their library, but rather renting it (in a sense). Often, when a licensing agreement ends, a series or film in Netflix’s catalog leaves the service, and must be replaced with something new, which may also be a temporary option.
You may not find this to be a dealbreaker for you if you are not bothered by switching what you’re watching, and having an ever-changing library of content for you to choose from when considering a Netflix subscription. On the other hand, if you’re someone who really commits to their favorite shows and movies, and loves rewatching programs they’ve already seen, then Netflix might not be the best choice.
Disadvantage of Netflix #6: Outdated library
The next disadvantage of Netflix is that its library has also become a bit dated, in addition to Netflix not adding the latest TV show episodes or new movies right away. They need a lot of time to update it and add newer content. Many users are dissatisfied because of this. We can conclude that Amazon Prime updates its library more often than Netflix when we compare Netflix’s library with Amazon Prime’s library.
Disadvantage of Netflix #7: Content Uncertainty
Netflix tends to remove shows that were previously available, making it the next disadvantage of Netflix. It can be quite challenging when you want to rerun your favorite show. Popular ones like Family Guy and with no hope of coming back anytime soon. Friends are off Netflix.
Disadvantage of Netflix #8: Long waits for new episodes
Here comes the next disadvantage of Netflix. It is not unusual for Netflix customers to have to wait for episodes of their favorite shows for a long period of time, which is a significant difference from live TV, or even other streaming services such as Hulu and HBO Max.
Original programming, such as the binge-watching model listed in the pros section, is also a con. When Netflix releases an entire season of a show at once, this results in many fans watching every episode in a matter of days.
A similar reason applies to acquired programs, but with a slight difference. Due to copyright hurdles and weaker relationships between Netflix and cable networks, new seasons of shows airing on live TV can often take a long time to reach Netflix users. The season must first make its original debut on live television, which can take months.
In addition, there is even more time between the end of the live season and the Netflix release. For some programs, the latest seasons aren’t released on Netflix until the following season begins airing on television, leaving Netflix customers an entire year behind on their favorite shows.
Disadvantage of Netflix #9: No Live Sports
There is no denying that Netflix is a streaming service that focuses on video entertainment, so if you are someone that enjoys watching live sports events, then Netflix is not the ideal choice for you. Although there are several sports documentaries and shows, Netflix has traditionally steered away from live sports events.
Disadvantage of Netflix #10: Price increases
Netflix has raised its monthly subscription fee on four different occasions during the past decade to maintain an ad-free experience for subscribers.
The below is Netflix’s past pricing:
Basic – $7.99 a month for the entire library of content. No HD quality. Streaming is limited to one device at a time.
Standard – $10.99 a month for the same content. With the addition of HD quality. Streaming is bumped up to two devices at a time.
Premium – $13.99 a month. Same library, but now in Ultra HD. Streaming can be done on four devices at a time.
After the most recent price increase in 2019, Netflix’s packages now run for:
Basic – $8.99 a month, no new features.
Standard – $12.99 a month, no new features.
Premium – $15.99 a month, no new features.
Netflix’s pricing history suggests there will not be a change in pricing anytime soon, and this price hike seems to be a hefty one for what appears to be no additional benefit to customers.
Netflix’s app prices are expected to continue increasing as time goes on, according to the numbers. If you’re currently weighing the pros and cons of signing up for a Netflix subscription, this is something to consider.
Disadvantage of Netflix #11: Internet Requirements
As with any streaming service, Netflix (and other streaming apps) relies on the quality of your internet connection to function properly. Whether you’re watching YouTube, Twitch, or Netflix, your ISP could be the difference between watching 240p, 720p, or 4K videos.
If your internet goes down, then there’s no Netflix. Netflix will stutter if people on your network are watching YouTube or playing games and hogging your bandwidth. And if your internet speed is bad, the video quality will suffer. It is important to remember that Netflix automatically determines the stream quality based on the quality of your Internet connection. Sure, you can still download Netflix shows and movies, but that’s going to take a lot of extra time and work.
When you put Blu-ray or DVD into the right player, you get the same quality all the time, and you can keep watching even when your internet connection is down. The value of this reliability cannot be overstated.
Disadvantage of Netflix #12: Internet Speed Needed for Netflix
There is no need for a high-speed Internet connection to stream high-definition movies from the service. For example, Netflix recommends the following minimum Internet speeds:
Recommended for Basic (SD Quality) Plan: 3 Mbps
Recommended for Standard (HD Quality) Plan: 5 Mbps
Recommended for Premium (4K Quality): 25 Mbps
Disadvantage of Netflix #13: Data Cap Consumption
Let’s not forget, while we’re on the subject of internet connections, that data caps can be a real problem to consider when streaming media – especially for videos. This is because they can consume more than 1GB/hour depending on how much quality you want to watch when watching movies or TV shows.
Netflix, for example, is seriously threatened by data caps. If you have trouble visualizing just how bad the problem is, consider this example:
1,000 hours at low quality.
425 hours at Standard quality.
100 hours at high quality.
40 hours at Ultra HD quality.
This estimate is based on Netflix’s data usage details, according to their website.
And these figures assume you do nothing else besides Netflix. These figures are simply unacceptable in the age of Ultra HD home entertainment. If you have a capped internet connection, beware: Netflix will consume your data faster than you think.
To Sum it Up About Nexflix
Netflix Original TV Shows, Movies and Documentaries
One of the biggest advantages of Netflix is its original content. It is possible that “Netflix Originals” were created and produced exclusively for Netflix in some cases.
This can be seen in the release of television shows like BoJack Horseman and Orange is the New Black as well as in the release of films like The Kissing Booth and Unicorn Store. Some of the documentaries example include Miss Americana and After the Raid
Netflix Originals are favorite content that Netflix has purchased the exclusive right to distribute in a specific region for a certain period of time, and are only available on the Netflix platform.
Examples of this include the crime drama The Fall and the British television series Chewing Gum. Besides that, other feature films include #Alive, a Korean horror film.
Netflix has invested heavily in its original content. A record of $12 Billion was spent by Netflix in 2018 alone on exclusive films and television shows. Netflix offers original content in many genres and in numerous languages.
Netflix’s high-quality audio and video content
Users have the option to choose from three Netflix plans.
Netflix provides all the TV shows and movies listed in its catalog as part of its Basic Plan for a flat monthly fee, but you can only watch them on one screen at a time as part of Netflix’s Basic Plan. This plan does not provide access to HD or Ultra HD.
If you subscribe to the Standard Plan, you will be able to stream content on two screens at the same time, and HD streaming will also be available. The most costly Netflix plan, the premium plan, offers HD and Ultra HD streaming. You should consider this plan if video and audio quality are important to you.
Here is a summary of the 3 plans regarding audio and video quality:
Basic Plan offers video quality as well as audio quality as well as 5.1 surround sound and SD quality for a reasonable price.
Standard Plan HD: Quality (1080p) 5.1 surround sound.
Premium Plan: 4K UHD Quality Dolby Atmos audio or Dolby Digital 5.1
Netflix vs Cable TV
Cable television is usually much more expensive than Netflix. As a Netflix subscriber, you have access to a variety of television shows and movies as well as the ability to watch those shows and movies on demand.
However, certain types of content are not available on Netflix, such as:
1. Live news
2. Live sporting events
3. Themed channels
Netflix never airs commercials, unlike most cable channels. If you’re trying to decide between Netflix and cable, you’ll want to think carefully about the content you consume. Netflix can replace cable television in some households, while it can complement cable television in others.
Popular Netflix Series
It is worth noting that one of the most popular shows on Netflix includes Cobra Kai, originally on YouTube Premium. Some other examples of the popular shows on Netflix are The Umbrella Academy, based on comic books written by Gerard Way, and The Seven Deadly Sins, an animated series.
Netflix has produced many critically acclaimed and commercially successful programs. These programs include (not exhaustive list):
-The Dark, the first German-language original show on Netflix
-Ozark, an Emmy-nominated drama
-The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, an award-winning comedy from Tina Fey
-The Witcher, a fantasy series with global popularity.
-Maniac, a limited series staring Jonah Hill and Emma Stone
-The Haunting of Hill House, a ghost story inspired by the Shirley Jackson novel of the same name
-GLOW, a female-driven show based on a real-life wrestling promotion.
New content is regularly added to Netflix’s library, so viewers can always find something new to watch. Netflix also makes it possible to watch popular programs that have already aired on other channels, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Hannibal, and cult favorite community.
Benefits of Netflix Premium
Considering the value you get from Netflix premium, the current cost of $17.99/month is still a pretty good deal.
The main advantages of subscribing to the Premium membership plan are the following:
Allows streaming of 4K (Ultra High Definition) content. Although you will need a 4K TV device to enjoy the full benefits, these types of Televisions are nowadays mainstream and provide an excellent viewing experience. It is easy to understand what we mean when you watch a movie in 4K quality.
The other benefit of Netflix is that it allows watching on 4 simultaneous screens. There is a big benefit to having this capability for families with four to five members. For example, my teenage daughter likes to watch her own movies on her smartphone, while my wife and I watch a different show on our smart TV screen.
The Audio Quality is better. The premium membership plan offers better audio quality from Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital 5.1.
Should I Get Netflix?
People in 2020 might find it strange not to have Netflix on their phone. So many pop culture references, critically acclaimed series, and even Oscar-nominated movies have come out of the original streaming service over the past decade.
There are certainly pros and cons to a streaming service like Netflix, but what you need is the most important consideration. Are you looking for original content? Do you want to keep up with the latest television and movie trends? Are you going to lose your mind if you have to watch one more advertisement on cable television? Then Netflix may be right for you.
Upcoming Updates on Netflix To Know
There are both pros and cons to Netflix’s ad-supported tier: What you need to know before signing up
By the end of 2022, Netflix’s ad-free platform might no longer be available. As part of its plans to make the platform more accessible for consumers to stream movies and TV shows, Netflix is working on a more affordable tier with ads.
The ad-supported tier might have various repercussions for Netflix and its users. A list of Netflix’s pros and cons is provided below.
The Netflix subscription plan will be ad-supported.
During the Cannes Lions advertising festival in June 2022, Netflix’s Co-CEO Ted Sarandos officially confirmed the company is working on an ad-supported tier. This was after rumors of the company working on such a tier had surfaced months earlier. In addition to the basic, standard, and premium subscription plans, which cost $9.99, $15.49, and $19.99, respectively, the new, lower-priced ad-supported plan will be available as an alternative to the existing plans.
Microsoft has been selected as the company’s global advertising technology and sales partner for the streaming platform, which has been announced on July 13, 2022. This decision moves the company one step closer to the release of its ad-supported tier in the future. In spite of that, Netflix’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer, Greg Peters, wrote in Netflix’s announcement that “it’s still early,” because the company still has a lot to do before it launches its service.
Therefore, it is still unclear exactly how Netflix’s ad-supported plan would work if it were ever offered. However, the goal, according to Peters, is to offer “more choice for consumers and a premium, better-than-linear TV brand experience for advertisers.”
What are the pros of having a Netflix subscription that is ad-supported?
The major advantage of an ad-supported tier will be the lower price, which is Netflix’s main pitch behind its plans. It is believed that such a plan may be a valuable tool for the streaming giant to enhance its subscriber base. From its 2022 report, Netflix has over 200 million subscribers, despite losing about 200,000 in the first quarter of 2022.
One of the reasons why Netflix is losing subscribers is price hikes. As of the start of 2022, Netflix raised its prices in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world as well. Lowering the price can help Netflix retain users who may be mulling over canceling their subscriptions and even attract new users who have been sitting on the fence due to its expensive subscription prices as long as they can put up with ads.
Cheaper ad-supported tiers aren’t new. Most of Netflix’s streaming competitors like HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, Discovery+, and Peacock have cheaper ad-supported plans. Keeping up with the trend will also likely give Netflix advantages over rivals, which has heavily profited from similar plans in recent times. To do so, Netflix still has to ensure the pricing on its ad-supported tier is competitive to make it attractive to potential users.
The Cons of an Ad-Enabled Tier Plan
Ads can be a good way for products and services to maintain and attract more users, but they don’t come without disadvantages. There is no denying that ads are intrusive, which is why some people prefer to avoid them as much as possible by paying for their services. Depending on how Netflix will implement it, the ad-supported tier might harm the platform’s amazing user experience that we’ve come to know and love.
There’s also a risk that the company might bring ads to the basic and standard tiers in exchange for not hiking prices in the future, especially if the ad-supported tier becomes successful. There seems to be no end to the price increases that Netflix is experiencing when it comes to streaming content as the years go by. Price hikes on Netflix have become normal as the company is forced to invest more to produce original content despite stalling growth. For reference, Netflix has hiked its prices thrice since 2019.
While this trend is alarming, the company is not alone. Other services, including Disney+, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Prime Video, have also hiked prices in the past few years. Therefore, we may not be surprised to see a future in which most, if not all, streaming tiers across platforms will be filled with advertisements in the hopes of making it more affordable for people to watch their favorite content online in the name of making it more accessible to those who want to do so.
The Ad-Enabled Tier of Netflix Can Help Reduce the Costs of Streaming As the Cost of Streaming Rises
There is no doubt that Netflix is betting more on original programming as competition in the streaming industry is getting fiercer by the day. That investment has to be recovered by increasing the subscription costs or adding more paying subscribers. As it stands, Netflix seems to have exhausted the first option, and it has become harder and harder for it to continue growing and maintaining its subscriber base in the future.
The launch of a cheaper ad-enabled tier is likely to help the company keep its subscribers and attract new ones, while at the same time making up for the difference by allowing other companies to run ads on its platform in order to make up for the price difference.