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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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[-] TheAlbatross@lemmy.blahaj.zone 36 points 3 days ago
[-] wizardbeard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 points 3 days ago

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

[-] bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 18 points 3 days 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

[-] dustyData@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days 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.

[-] bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 2 points 2 days 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.

[-] foggenbooty@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days 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.

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this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2024
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