Netflix is trying to make more money by taking action against password sharing around the world in 2023. They’ve also introduced a new way to watch with ads for those who prefer it.
Now it seems that Netflix is quietly phasing out its cheaper subscription tier which is known as ‘Basic.’
In Pakistan, you could get the Basic Netflix plan for just Rs. 450 per month, which is a good deal. In other countries like the U.S., it costs $11.99. This plan is nice because there are no ads, but they stopped letting new customers sign up for it last summer. Now, they’re gradually stopping it for everyone, starting with the UK and Canada.
Netflix is gravitating more towards its ad-supported tiers and it shows in its popularity numbers as well. The ad tier has grown by 70% over the last quarter and now makes up an alarming 40% of new Netflix subscriptions in markets where it exists.
When the Basic tier is taken away, users will have two options: the Standard Tier and the Premium Tier, both offering an ad-free experience. The Standard tier, priced at Rs. 800 per month in Pakistan, provides 1080p streaming. On the other hand, the Premium tier, costing Rs. 1,100, allows for 4K streaming and lets you stream on up to 6 devices.
Right now, only Canada and the UK are affected by the cancellation of the Basic tier, but it’s expected to impact other places, including Pakistan, soon. Similar to the crackdown on password-sharing that reached Pakistan shortly after other countries, it’s likely that the cheaper plan will also be discontinued in the near future.
