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submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

Netflix, once a pioneer of ad-free viewing that offered a break from traditional TV norms, is now contemplating launching free ad-supported versions of its service in markets like Europe and Asia, Bloomberg reported.

The plans to offer a free ad-supported tier, albeit in select markets, suggests that pivot towards monetizing user data, in other words — making users and not the extensive library of award-winning shows a product, might be well in the pipeline.

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[-] [email protected] 16 points 2 weeks ago

There is one benefit, at least for now. You aren't locked into long term contracts like cable has/had.

[-] [email protected] 18 points 2 weeks ago

Imo that's pretty much the only benefit these days. But I'm also waiting for those 1 year, 2 year, etc "deals" where they offer $1/mo off or something

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

Don't they already do that? I swear I saw a streaming service that offered 20% off the price if you agreed to pay 2 years in advance or something like that. That is already a thing on SaaS subscriptions.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I know Hulu has an annual billing option where they won't prorate your bill if you cancel mid term, but I don't know if there are any that just flat out won't let you cancel.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I expect to see this soon as a way of combatting people who join one for a month or two, binge, then switch to another provider.

It might not come in the form of contracts at first, maybe they will just jack up the price of month to month high enough that people will voluntarily buy into a contract or yearly pre-purchase.

Trust me, there is always a way to make more money if you're OK with being anti-consumer. It's just a matter of time.

this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2024
867 points (99.0% liked)

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