Netflix Adds Advertising Based Tier, Other Changes Free of Charge

Netflix was the spearhead platform when people brought up cable cutting. Starting as a DVD rental service, then offering streaming of movies, to making many original programs, Netflix has had a storied growth path. Recently, they went on a tirade over sharing of accounts (planning to introduce fees for such activities), to now, offering something no one expected the service to do, offer advertising during programming. Don’t worry, it is a tier, the cheapest one, allowing those that despise commercials to pay a higher price to eliminate them. Yay.

Becoming what you despise most

Netflix used to be the shining hope for those wanting away from all the fees that cable was charging, and all those commercials. Early on, the platform was great, albeit always limited in content to watch (thanks exclusive license deals).

Over the years, competition came into play. This caused Netflix’s already limited selection to be even more pronounced. Companies such as Paramount, NBC, ABC, etc all launched their own streaming service to compete with Netflix (and locking up their original programming to maximize their profits).

This caused Netflix to transition more and more to original programming of their own. Unlike other platforms owned by networks and such, Netflix did not have access to certain stars or well-known actors and actresses. This caused the streaming service to focus on lesser-known people for their original content.

Netflix slowly became its own network, something I discussed years ago. They are definitely making this happen.

With that success comes changes. Slowly, Netflix is becoming very similar to cable services so many of us despise.

Ads are here to stay

With the introduction of an ads-based tier, you might be thinking it would be free like other platforms such as Tubi and Pluto. Nope. There are ads and Netflix wants a fee for the privilege.

Adding insult to this, some content is not available to subscribers on the Basic with ads tier. Wow. Just wow, Netflix. Other platforms, such as Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, etc, all offer ads-based tiers at cheaper prices, do not restrict ads-based subscribers nearly as much as Netflix is. I believe, Disney Plus delays access to certain content for ads-based subscribers but it is eventually offered to them too.

Only Peacock offers limited access, plus commercials, for a lower monthly price – like what Netflix is offering.

Unlike the other platforms, Netflix is also limiting the quality of video. Basic with Ads is 720p. Want 4K HD? Get ready to pony up about $20 a month.

Will you be subscribing to Netflix Basic with Ads?