Netflix Hikes Prices Amid Jump in Subscribers

story

Jan 22, 2025

Above: The Netflix logo appears on the screen of a smartphone and in the background on the computer screen in Reno, US, on Dec. 15, 2024. Image copyright: Jaque Silva/NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Imagesstory last updated Jan 22

The Facts

Netflix is set to hike its monthly rates in the US, Canada, Argentina, and Portugal. The move follows the platform's subscription base rising by 41M to touch over 300M in 2024 — higher than its previous best increase in 2020.
Netflix added nearly 19M subscribers in the October-December holiday period alone and reported annual operating income over $10B for the first time ever.
The cost of the platform's standard-with-advertisement option will now rise from $6.99 to $7.99; standard-without-advertisement will increase by $2.50 to $17.99. Its premium offering will now cost $22.99, increasing by $2.

The Spin

Narrative A

Netflix's relentless price hikes have become increasingly difficult to justify. Subscribers are now paying way more for a service that routinely cancels beloved shows while churning out mediocre content. The platform's recent crackdown on password sharing, coupled with price increases that seem to be driven by profit and profit alone rather than quality improvement, suggests a concerning shift from customer value to corporate greed.

ETHIC NEWS

Pocket-Lint

Narrative B

Netflix's price hikes reflect market realities and are matched by unparalleled value. It offers cutting-edge features like 4K HDR streaming, spatial audio, and multi-device support, ideal for modern households. Its continued investment in diverse content, technological innovation, and consistent service reliability justifies its position as a premium streaming leader. For families, the cost per viewing hour remains remarkably reasonable.