Angry Netflix fans are threatening to cancel their accounts after the streaming giant announced it is getting rid of its Basic subscription tier. The non-ad supported tier, which is popular among its international customers, will be axed for good in June.
While Netflix has not given a reason for the decision, some have speculated that it may be an attempt to encourage more users to upgrade to its more expensive subscription tiers. The company has faced increasing competition from other streaming services in recent years and has been investing heavily in new content to retain and attract subscribers. However, this move has angered many of its loyal customers who feel that they are being forced to pay more for the same service.
Netflix’s decision to axe its Basic tier has also raised concerns about its future plans. Some experts have suggested that the company may be moving towards a more ad-supported model, which could result in a further backlash from its subscribers. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, it remains to be seen how this move will impact Netflix’s position in the market and whether it will lead to more cancellations in the coming months.
Netflix’s Basic Tier Removal Announcement
On April 30th, 2024, Netflix announced that it would be axing its Basic tier for good in June, leaving only the Standard and Premium tiers available. This decision was met with strong reactions from fans, who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction.
Fan Reaction to the News
Many fans were angry that Netflix was removing the Basic tier, which was the most affordable option and did not include ads. Some fans threatened to close their accounts and switch to other streaming services if Netflix did not reverse its decision.
Other fans expressed disappointment that Netflix did not give more notice about the removal of the Basic tier, as they had just renewed their subscriptions and now felt they were not getting the value they had paid for.
Netflix’s Official Statement
In response to the backlash, Netflix released an official statement explaining the reason for the removal of the Basic tier. According to the statement, the Basic tier was not sustainable for the company as it did not generate enough revenue to cover the costs of producing and licensing content.
Netflix acknowledged that the decision would be unpopular with some fans, but stated that it was necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the company and its ability to continue producing high-quality content for its subscribers.
Alternatives to Netflix’s Basic Tier
If you are unhappy with Netflix’s decision to axe its Basic tier, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher tier. Netflix offers three other plans: Standard, Premium and Ultra. The Standard plan allows you to stream on two devices at once, while the Premium plan allows you to stream on up to four devices at once. The Ultra plan has all the features of the Premium plan, but also allows you to watch content in 4K quality.
Upgrading to one of these plans may be a good option if you want to continue using Netflix, but want more features than the Basic tier offers. However, keep in mind that these plans are more expensive than the Basic tier.
Consumer Response and Social Media Backlash
Since the announcement that Netflix will be axing its Basic tier in June, many subscribers have taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment. The decision to remove the non-ad supported Basic tier has caused an uproar amongst users who feel that they are being forced to pay more for a service that they have been using for years.
Twitter Outcry
On Twitter, the hashtag #BoycottNetflix has been trending since the announcement, with many users threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Some users have expressed their disappointment at the company’s decision, while others have criticised the streaming giant for not offering enough value for money.
Petitions and Campaigns
In addition to the outcry on social media, several petitions have been launched in an attempt to convince Netflix to reverse its decision. One petition on Change.org has already gathered over 10,000 signatures, with supporters calling on the company to “listen to its customers” and keep the Basic tier.
Another campaign, called “Save Netflix Basic”, has been launched on social media, with supporters sharing their frustration with the decision and calling on others to join the cause. The campaign has gained traction on Twitter, with users sharing the hashtag #SaveNetflixBasic.
Despite the backlash, Netflix has yet to respond to the criticism. It remains to be seen whether the company will reconsider its decision to remove the Basic tier or whether it will continue to face backlash from angry subscribers.
Future of Streaming Services
Market Predictions
The streaming industry has been growing rapidly over the years and is expected to continue doing so in the future. According to FT, the number of streaming subscriptions is predicted to reach 1.1 billion by 2024. This growth is mainly due to the increasing demand for online content and the convenience that streaming services offer.
However, the recent backlash from Netflix’s decision to axe its Basic tier shows that streaming services need to be careful when making changes to their business models. Customers are becoming more aware of their options and are not afraid to switch to a different service if they are not satisfied. Therefore, streaming services need to be more transparent and communicate better with their customers to maintain their loyalty.
Changing Business Models
As the streaming industry continues to evolve, companies are experimenting with different business models to stay ahead of the competition. Some companies are focusing on producing original content to attract and retain customers, while others are offering more affordable plans to appeal to price-sensitive customers.
