Netflix Ads: Coming To Screens Near You, Possibly

As Netflix downsizes its animation efforts, cancels collaborations with the Duchess of Sussex, and reports losses of millions of subscribers, it’s obvious the streaming giant isn’t having that great of a time. 

To cope with these challenges, it’s been rumored that the service could turn to a lower-priced tier with advertisements, and now, a report from the New York Times has suggested the move could come as soon as the end of the year.

Two insiders told the publication that, in a recent note to employees, company executives indicated that the advertisement-supported tier could be added in Q4 2022. It also alluded that Netflix could potentially begin cracking down on password sharing during the same period. 

In March, the company introduced a trial in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru, where users could add an additional member to their accounts for US$2.99 each. 

While nothing’s been confirmed, this could be the route Netflix plans to take globally in order to stop family and friends from using a single account. 

Will the streaming service be able to retain existing users and draw in new subscribers with lower prices? Or will they be turned off by the advertisements? Subscribers will soon find out. 

[via CNN and New York Times, cover image via Natee Meepian / Shutterstock.com]