Netflix may reportedly introduce a free, ad-supported plan in select Asian and European markets

According to the report, Netflix may introduce a free plan allowing users to consume its content without having to pay for it, but with ads. The video streaming platform is reportedly considering introducing a free plan in select markets around the world. If the project comes to fruition, this new tier will be below the ad-supported plan that is currently the most affordable way to watch Netflix, but only in certain regions.

Free, ad-supported Netflix plan

According to Bloomberg reportThe video streaming platform has discussed offering a free plan in Asian and European markets, where other free TV networks also have free plans. This plan is supposed to offer free streaming of Netflix content, but with ads. Citing sources familiar with the company’s plans, the report said the move is aimed at increasing the video streaming platform’s audience.

If true, this wouldn’t be the first time Netflix has offered free video streaming. In 2021, a free plan for Android smartphones was introduced in Kenya. However, it was stopped last year. While it may be aimed at users in Asia and Europe, the report states that Netflix has no plans to bring this free tier to the US. Notably, it already offers an ad-supported plan, which is the most affordable way to watch Netflix at $6.99 (roughly Rs. 600) per month.

According to Amy Reinhardt, Netflix’s president of advertising, the advertising plan currently has 40 million active users worldwide, up from the 5 million user mark last year. Additionally, the company claims that 40 percent of all its signups are on an ad-supported plan in countries where it is available.

According to the report, apart from attracting more viewers, the free plan is rumored to also help attract more advertising for the video streaming platform. If true, it would go hand in hand with the company’s plans to build its own ad tech platform, slated to launch by the end of 2025. According to Netflix, this will open up new ways for advertisers to have “new ways to buy, new ideas to leverage, and new ways to measure impact.”