Netflix to raise subscription prices

Netflix is set to raise subscription prices in several countries after adding an impressive 19 million subscribers in the final quarter of 2024, bringing its global subscriber base to over 300 million.

The price hikes will affect users in the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina, while plans for the UK remain uncertain.

New Pricing in the US

In the United States, Netflix’s subscription costs are increasing across several tiers:

• Standard plan with ads: From $6.99 to $7.99 (£6.49) per month
• Standard plan without ads: From $15.49 to $17.99 (£14.60) per month
• Premium plan: From $19.99 to $22.99 (£18.66) per month

In comparison, the UK pricing remains steady at £4.99 for a standard plan with ads, £10.99 for a standard plan without ads, and £17.99 for a premium account. Netflix has not confirmed whether UK users will face similar price increases.

What’s Driving the Growth?

Netflix attributes its record-breaking subscriber growth to a mix of blockbuster content and live events. Key contributors include:

• The second season of the South Korean drama Squid Game
• A high-profile boxing match between YouTuber Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson
• Two National Football League (NFL) games streamed on Christmas Day

These events, alongside Netflix’s growing catalog of live sports such as WWE wrestling and future FIFA Women’s World Cup rights (2027 and 2031), are part of the platform’s strategy to attract diverse audiences.

Financial Impact

Netflix’s net profit for the final quarter of 2024 doubled to $1.8 billion compared to the same period last year. This surge, combined with a 14% increase in its stock value after the subscriber announcement, highlights the financial success of its growth strategy.

Future Plans and Pricing

In a statement, Netflix emphasized its commitment to improving the platform:
“We will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can reinvest to further improve Netflix.”

While it is unclear if UK prices will rise, Netflix’s focus on premium content and live events indicates the possibility of future adjustments. Starting in 2025, Netflix will no longer report quarterly subscriber growth but will instead announce milestones in paid memberships.