Does Netflix have ads now in the UK? Everything we know

The website also states: “If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account."

The move is designed to push consumers to sign up for its advertising-supported option.

Netflix has always managed to maintain its position amid stiff competition with Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video without showing ads during or before its TV shows or movies, relying instead on increasing the subscription cost to manage the platform’s growth.

However, the streamer launched the low-cost ad-supported tier in November 2022 as a way to attract more people to the service after losing more than 1 million subscribers in 2022.

This was coupled with a controversial crackdown on password sharing earlier this year, which prevents users from sharing their login details with consumers who live outside of their household.

So, why has Netflix removed the Basic tier, can you have Netflix without ads and what does the Standard plan include? Read on to find out.

• Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Can you have Netflix without ads in 2023?

You can, but there is no longer an ad-free low-cost Netflix option.

Following the removal of the 'Basic' option, which enabled users to stream in HD without having to see any adverts, the only ad-free options are the higher-priced ones.

These include the £10.99 per month ad-free standard subscription or the £15.99 ad-free premium subscription (find out more on this below).

Back in April 2022, following reports of a shrinking user base, the company’s share price heavily plummeted.

Then, in June, Netflix announced it had laid off 300 employees, around 4 per cent of its overall staff, in a second round of job cuts.

"Today we sadly let go of around 300 employees. While we continue to invest significantly in the business, we made these adjustments so that our costs are growing in line with our slower revenue growth," said a Netflix spokesperson on 23rd June.

"We are so grateful for everything they have done for Netflix and are working hard to support them through this difficult transition," the company said.

Netflix said that it lost 200,000 subscribers in its first quarter, falling well short of its predictions that it would add 2.5 million subscribers.

In addition, the decision in March to suspend its service in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine resulted in the loss of 700,000 members.

How much is a Netflix subscription 2023 and what does the standard plan include?

The cheapest subscription tier is now Standard with Adverts, which costs £4.99 per month.

However, if you're already on the Basic subscription, you won't lose access to it for now - unless you decide to switch plans.

Below are the current Netflix UK subscription costs.

• £4.99 per month Standard with adverts subscription - Viewers can watch in HD and on two devices at a time.
• £10.99 per month Ad-free standard subscription - Viewers can watch in HD and on two devices at a time.
• £15.99 per month Ad-free premium subscription - Viewers can watch in Ultra HD where available, on four devices at a time.

Why has Netflix removed the Basic plan?

The removal of the cheap Basic plan isn't entirely surprising, and is part of Netflix's push to get customers signing up to its advertising tier or higher-priced options.

Netflix started hiding its Basic plan in the UK back in January, with consumers having to read the small print to view the low-cost option.

Standard with Adverts, which is now the cheapest subscription tier at £4.99 per month, earns the company both a subscription fee as well as advertising revenue from brands.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide. Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney+ shows and best Disney+ movies lists, or see all your options in our best streaming services guide.

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