Netflix is getting ready to discontinue its basic plan

Netflix disclosed during its Q4 2023 earnings conference today that it is gradually phasing out its Basic subscription for users.

The streaming giant reported that it added 13 million new members at the end of the year, and its future appears to be bright. The company is aiming to discontinue its $11.99, ad-free option as password-sharing crackdowns and advertisement-based tier support become more common. Those who were already subscribed to the tier can now access the Basic plan, which was closed to both new and returning users last summer. It’s unclear how the retirement of the option would impact existing Basic members.

Over time, basic will begin to fade in several areas. The UK and Canada are the first places to be targeted in the spring, with other regions to follow. After then, there will only be two tiers of ad-free options: Standard and Premium. The former offers full HD streaming, supports up to two devices simultaneously, and up to one additional member for $15.49 a month. With features like Ultra HD support, the ability to stream from six devices simultaneously, and support for up to two more members, the latter is more expensive at $22.99 per month.

As viewers swarm to support Netflix’s ad-supported content, that means fewer alternatives for members. Thirty percent of all Netflix sign-ups in supported markets now have ad options, according to Netflix, which recorded increases in ad-supported memberships of 70% quarter over quarter.

The corporation is continuing with other dependable projects while the Basic plan’s departure highlights the streamer’s commitment on ad-based programming. This includes the upcoming Squid Game Season 2, which is currently slated for release in 2024. A new partnership that grants Netflix exclusive streaming rights to WWE Raw in 2025 was also recently unveiled.