Netflix has not officially confirmed any new price increases, but speculation is nonetheless beginning to grow about the possibility of a subscription fee increase.
This is not surprising given the streaming service's track record of raising subscription fees to support content production and increase overall profits. While not yet confirmed, some industry experts have hinted that a price increase is imminent and could affect millions of subscribers worldwide.
If the rumors are true (and it should be noted that this is still speculation), Netflix could implement its next price increase in the coming months. Naturally, subscribers are already bracing for the next monthly price increase.
Netflix is scheduled to release its third-quarter earnings today (October 17) after the market closes, and analysts are closely watching the company's results. With the company's stock hovering near all-time highs, the streaming giant faces a tough test. Investors speculate that the announcement regarding another price hike could be a “key catalyst for the stock price.”
It has been almost two years since Netflix changed the price of its standard plan, with the last adjustment coming in January 2022. At that time, the price was raised from $13 to $15. The premium plan was also raised by $2, to $19 per month. Meanwhile, the ad-supported plan, launched less than two years ago, is still one of the most affordable streaming options at just $6 per month and has yet to see a price increase; see here for a breakdown of all Netflix fees.
Looking ahead, analysts suggest that price changes may be on the horizon; Citi's Jason Bazinet sees Netflix possibly raising prices in the US by “around 12% in 2025,” noting how affordable hourly viewing rates are The company's price per hour is “very affordable,” he said. Meanwhile, Evercore ISI's Mark Mahaney, in a note to IndieWire, said that price increases could occur in the “next three to nine months.”
In a streaming world where price increases are becoming the norm (as they did last year, as Disney Plus raised its rates this October), many believe that Netflix is due for another price increase. As subscribers prepare for the next monthly fee increase, expectations are high for Netflix's soon-to-be-released earnings report and its potential impact on its pricing strategy.
Right now, everything is still up in the air and we are waiting for Netflix to confirm if this information is accurate. As streaming services become more expensive, one detailed report shows that the average subscription fee for the top five ad-free platforms in the U.S. is about $87 per month.
As prices continue to rise, it may be worth considering adjusting your monthly outlay by becoming savvy about which services you subscribe to and when. For more information, see our guide to streaming prices in 2024.
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