Netflix users have expressed their frustration over Netflix’s price hikes.
Aussie Netflix users have expressed their discontent following the streaming giant’s latest price increase, marking the sixth such hike since the platform entered the Australian market in 2015. On Wednesday, Netflix announced that all subscription tiers would be affected as early as September this year, a move that has not been warmly received by subscribers already feeling the pinch of rising living costs.
The announcement has sparked a wave of frustration among users, many of whom took to social media to voice their displeasure and threaten to cancel their subscriptions. Comments such as “Greedy company. Raising prices multiple times per year will only push more ships into the sea,” and “Boycott Netflix. Raising prices again…” reflect the growing discontent.
Subscriber Backlash and Content Concerns
In response to the promotion of the Netflix original film My Oxford Year, some subscribers argued that the quality of content available for streaming does not justify the price increase. One user remarked, “Worst content on your platform in history losing so many shows and you think you need a price increase 😂,” while another simply stated, “Another price increase? Cancel time.”
Under the new pricing structure, subscribers on Netflix’s two standard plans will face an additional $2 monthly charge, with the ‘standard with ads’ option increasing from $7.99 to $9.99, and the ad-free Standard plan now set at $20.99 monthly. Premium subscribers will see the steepest increase, with a $3 rise, taking the plan from $25.99 to $28.99.
Historical Pricing and Market Comparison
When Netflix first launched in Australia, the initial prices were $8.99 monthly for a basic ad-free plan and $14.99 for premium access. This means that today’s Premium option is nearly double the original cost. Netflix has defended the higher prices by stating they will allow the company “to bring you even more exciting, new entertainment,” promising “fresh, can’t-miss shows and movies every week.”
By the Numbers:
- Netflix (inclusive of price updates)
- $9.99/month – inclusive of ads
- $20.99/month – Standard ad-free
- $28.99/month – Premium ad-free
- Amazon Prime
- $9.99/month — inclusive of ads
- $12.98/month — ad-free
- Stan
- $12/month — Basic ad-free
- $17/month — Standard ad-free
- $22/month — Premium ad-free
- Apple TV+
- $12.99/month — ad-free
- Disney+
- $15.99/month — Standard inclusive of ads
- $20.99/month — Premium ad-free
- Binge
- $10/month — Basic inclusive of ads
- $19/month — Standard ad-free
- $22/month — Premium ad-free
- Paramount+
- $6.99/month — Basic inclusive of ads
- $10.99/month — Standard ad-free
- $13.99/month — Premium ad-free
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The latest price hike by Netflix comes at a time when the streaming market in Australia is becoming increasingly competitive. With several players offering varied content at different price points, consumers have more choices than ever. This development could potentially lead to a shift in subscriber loyalty, especially if Netflix fails to deliver on its promise of enhanced content quality.
Industry experts suggest that while price increases are a common strategy for companies to boost revenue, they must be balanced with tangible improvements in service and content offerings. The risk for Netflix is alienating its customer base, which could lead to cancellations and a potential decline in market share.
As Netflix navigates this challenging landscape, the company will need to closely monitor subscriber reactions and adjust its strategies accordingly. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the streaming giant can maintain its dominance in the Australian market amid growing competition and consumer dissatisfaction.
