Netflix are making some big changes to their subscription scheme (Picture: Shutterstock)
Outraged Netflix viewers are threatening to cancel their memberships over a sudden change to its basic package – which will leave users unable to opt out of ads.
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.
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.
Viewers will have to endure more ads to get their fix of shows such as Baby Reindeer (Picture: Netflix)
How much is a basic subscription?
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.
To sweeten the pill, Netflix announced that the 720p video quality basic viewers currently enjoy will be upgraded to HD across the board.
This means that the streamer’s slate of TV and movies will look better – but so will the adverts crowbarred into the viewing experience.
Zack Snyder’s epic Rebel Moon films feel even longer with the ads shoehorned in (Picture: Netflix)
When is Netflix’s basic plan ending?
Unsurprisingly, it all comes down to money – the streaming giant is estimated to have generated $1billion (£797million) from advertising revenue this year; a whopping 50% more than it made in 2023, according to Reuters.
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.
Viewers have had plenty to say about Netflix’s plans (Picture: Netflix)
These changes have left users fuming, with many threatening to cancel their membership altogether.
‘Dumb move because I’ll just cancel any service that starts overcharging or forces ads,’ wrote the user @Oberje, on X.
‘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.
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