Netflix seems to want to relieve its customers financially and is planning to introduce a new subscription option soon – but not everywhere.
Whether it's Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ – streaming services have long been part of everyday life. Many new series or films can only be accessed this way. But this can quickly become expensive for users, as it is often necessary to take out a paid subscription for each service. However, Netflix now seems to want to relieve its customers of financial burdens and is probably planning to introduce a new subscription option soon – but not everywhere.
Netflix is planning a free subscription option
The streaming service is reportedly considering introducing a completely free subscription that will instead be financed through advertising. But Netflix is not doing this entirely selflessly; it wants to achieve a very specific goal. It is about retaining even more users. That is why the innovation will only be implemented in certain countries.
Bloomberg writes: “Netflix has considered launching free versions of its streaming service in some markets, particularly Europe and Asia, as the company looks for more ways to grow its audience.” The agency cites statements from “people familiar with the plans.”
Target markets are in Europe and Asia
The move is not as surprising as it seems at first glance, as Netflix had already experimented with a free offer in Kenya. However, this was discontinued last year. The company is now discussing whether a free version of the service should soon be offered in much larger markets.
Especially in those with popular free TV networks, where Netflix also sells advertising. Bloomberg specifically mentioned the German market. Where and when exactly the new subscription option will actually be implemented can only be speculated at the moment. The plans are said to still be at an early stage. But one thing already seems clear: users in the USA will probably not be able to benefit from it. That's because the streaming service has already reached the majority of its potential customer base there, the anonymous insider told Bloomberg.
Source: Bloomberg
By Véronique Fritsche