Netflix has recently announced a big change to their subscription service which could possibly lead to subscribers worldwide having to make a difficult decision.
The streaming service has been full of change in recent months, with the beginning of this year seeingNetflix's massive crackdown on password sharing around the world, meaning you could no longer be able to share passwords outside your households unless the person pays.
And now, the streaming giant has announced more changes to its subscription model in Canada.
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Netflix has removed its $9.99 'Basic' subscription plans for Canadian streamers, meaning that the cheapest ad-free option is no longer available for new or reconnecting customers.
On Netflix's Canada pricing support page, it says: "The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members.
"If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account."
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This latest change means customers in Canada are left with three other options when it comes to subscription models, from a $5.99 ad version to more expensive $16.49 a month ad-free subscription.
And there's also the $20.99 premium plan which allows up to four screens in concurrent use.
Many users may pull a massive face at ad-supported models, but Netflix said in May this year that five million people are now using it - a number that's more than doubled since the start of 2023.
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"More than a quarter of our signups now choose the ads plan in countries where it’s available,” Greg Peters, Netflix’s co-CEO, said.
"Engagement on our ads plan is similar to our comparable non-ads plans."
As for the removal of the 'Basic' subscription model, yes, it is only in Canada right now, but it isn't the first time Netflix has tested a potential change in the Canadian market, with the paid-sharing update having also been trialled in Canada.
"In Canada, which we believe is a reliable predictor for the US, our paid membership base is now larger than prior to the launch of paid sharing and revenue growth has accelerated and is now growing faster than in the US," Netflix had previously told investors in April, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
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So, while there is no official confirmation from Netflix that the model will be coming to the US and beyond, there could certainly be a possibility.
UNILAD has reached out to Netflix and Netflix Canada for comment.
Topics: Netflix
Callum Jones