Well, it seems that Netflix is serious about adding an ad-supported tier to their streaming platform. They have to be if they’re partnering up with the biggest name in the computer business to have it.
Netflix x Microsoft in the Works?
Netflix has just announced that they’re partnering up with Microsoft to be their “global advertising technology and sales partner”. Apparently, this partnership is in order to bring their previously announced ad-supported tier to life. You know, the one they announced back in April 2022?
“Microsoft has the proven ability to support all our advertising needs as we work together to build a new ad-supported offering. More importantly, Microsoft offered the flexibility to innovate over time on both the technology and sales side, as well as strong privacy protections for our members.
It’s very early days and we have much to work through. But our long term goal is clear. More choice for consumers and a premium, better-than-linear TV brand experience for advertisers. We’re excited to work with Microsoft as we bring this new service to life.”
Greg Peters, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Product Officer, Netflix
Unfortunately, Netflix still doesn’t give us a release date for this ad-supported tier they’re doing with Microsoft. Not even a vague release window. All we can do is hope that either of these companies gives us that info later.
Netflix Ad-Supported Tier: Opinion
Personally, I think this ad-supported tier in addition to their usual full-price tiers is a decent idea. Especially given how expensive Netflix and other streaming services are. Even the cheapest Basic plan (which only provides up to 480p resolution) is still $9.99 a month, which adds up to $119.88 a year. That’s not an insignificant amount. $120 a year can add up pretty quickly, which means that it can be an even bigger hit to your wallet than you may realize. If you take into account Netflix’s plans to limit the number of people subscribers to add to their account, then the price just keeps going up and up.
Which makes this ad-supported tier a bit of a relief. I wouldn’t mind a free with ads option the way Crunchyroll used to do with their anime. However, even something like a $4.49 a month plan would be a better option than what we currently have. I really do hope that Netflix rolls it out soon, and doesn’t try to cram too many ads per video. Otherwise, they’re just going to go the way of YouTube.
Source: Netflix News, Microsoft Blog
