Netflix has removed its Basic ‘ad-free’ subscription plan ($9.99) in the United Kingdom and the United States. It means that new subscribers have no option but to choose more profitable subscription alternatives in order to enjoy their favourite content on the streaming platform.
The streaming giant removed the same tier in Canada a month ago.
Currently, Netflix is offering only three subscription alternatives to new subscribers: the ‘Standard with ads’ tier ($6.99), the ‘Standard’ tier ($15.49), and the ‘Premium’ tier ($19.99).
The Basic tier was one of the most popular choices for viewers in the U.K. and the U.S., offering ad-free content at a reasonable price. Now, users looking to enjoy their content at affordable subscription rates will have to watch it with ads at $6.99. On the other hand, the ‘Standard’ and ‘Premium’ tiers are the only ad-free plans available on the streaming platform right now.
This is what Netflix wrote about the Basic ‘ad-free’ plan on its FAQ page:
“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.”
In other words, the subscribers who currently have the Basic plan can keep the plan for now. The latest changes will apply only to new subscribers.
The streaming giant has already revealed that its ad tiers generate more profit than ad-free tiers, which may be the reason behind removing the Basic ‘ad-free’ plan.
For viewers wondering whether this decision will change Netflix’s India plans, we should inform you that no official announcement regarding this scenario from the streaming service has been made yet. Here are the current Netflix India plans: Mobile (Rs 149/month), Basic (Rs 199/month), Standard (Rs 499/month), and Premium (Rs 649/month). Stay tuned for more updates.