Netflix Phases Out Basic Plan, Promotes Ad-Supported

Netflix is discontinuing its Basic plan, the cheapest ad-free option, in the U.S. and France at $11.99 per month, pushing subscribers to higher-priced ad-supported or premium plans. The move aims to drive users towards more lucrative ad-supported options, with a 34% surge in sign-ups for the cheaper plan during the second quarter. Existing Basic subscribers can switch to the Standard plan at $15.49 per month, the Premium plan at $22.99, or opt for the ad-supported plan priced at $6.99 per month. Netflix's total subscriber base reached a record 277.65 million, attributing part of the growth to efforts to curb password sharing and encourage individual accounts.