Netflix teams up with Microsoft: What does this mean for subscribers?

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This week, Netflix announced its partnership with Microsoft to introduce a cheaper subscription option for customers that includes advertisements.

This new streaming strategy is in response to Netflix’s loss of 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of this year, which is reportedly the first time the company had lost subscribers in a decade.

Netflix is not the first streaming service to take this approach, with competitors such as Hulu, Paramount+ and HBO Max already offering cheaper subscription plans that include ads. With an advertising option like these other services, Netflix reduces the need for typical subscriber charges across the board.

Microsoft's role in this partnership is to bring on and manage advertisers who want to sell their ads to Netflix.

Netflix’s proposed ad supported plan is expected to launch later this year and will be a good option for those wanting to spend less on their streaming subscriptions.

What makes Netflix so popular?

Netflix began providing streaming content in 2007 and became popular as the first big streaming service but now, there are many other services trying to compete for subscribers.

However, Netflix still remains one of the top streaming platforms because of the diversity it offers and because of the many popular Netflix Original productions that aren’t available on any other streaming services. For example:

Popular Netflix Original shows

  • Stranger Things
  • Bridgerton 
  • The Crown
  • Squid Games
  • Orange is the New Black
  • You
  • The Umbrella Academy
  • The Queen's Gambit

These shows are examples of popular TV offerings from the last few years that are exclusively available on Netflix. Producing these shows and having the exclusive rights to them means that fans need access to Netflix to watch them.

Excited about all the content you can stream on Netflix? You may want to review your NBN plan to make sure you have enough data! Check out our NBN hub for info on available data plans and more streaming news and suggestions.