Netflix's new ad-based subscription tier is now set to arrive even sooner than initially planned, and the reason for this is all down to Disney Plus.
As reported by Variety, Netflix with ads was originally set to launch sometime in early 2023, however, has now been moved up to a release date of November 1st, 2022. The decision for this is apparently so Netflix can beat the new advertising tier from Disney Plus, which is set to go live on December 8th, 2022.
Netflix's ad plan is first set to come into effect for those in France, Germany, the UK, the US and several more countries, according to sources that have been informed of the streaming platform's plan. The company has partnered with Microsoft as its exclusive advertisement partner with ad buyers expected to submit initial bids in the coming weeks, so a price can be established. According to another source, Netflix is looking for a $10 million minimum commitment in yearly ad spending from agencies.
Netflix declined T3's request for comment.
"We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower-priced, ad-supported tier and no decisions have been made," a Netflix rep told Variety.
A Netflix standard plan is currently priced at $15.49 / £10.99 / AU$16.99 per month, or alternatively, the streamer has a cheaper basic plan at $9.99 / £6.99 / $10.99. That offer supports fewer devices and does not come with HD, though. It's still unclear just how much it will cost to gain access to Netflix with ads but Disney Plus will cost $7.99 per month or $79.90 per year for the ads-based tier.
Netflix's decision to bring in ads is thought to be to help make up the revenue lost by 200,000 subscribers leaving this streaming service earlier this year. It's also exploring the possibility of adding live streaming as well as "rapidly expanding" more into games.
Looking for something to watch? Check out T3's top recommendations for the best Netflix series to watch from 2022 so far.
