Netflix users will see a new membership option starting Tuesday that costs less but comes with a catch: commercials inserted into shows.
After years of uninterrupted binge-watches, the world’s largest streaming service is making way for a word from its sponsors. And as inflation continues to pinch consumers, the proposal of a cheaper Netflix plan may sound enticing to some.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Around the same time, CBC will introduce a revamped free streaming news channel that will be available on CBC Gem and multiple other streaming platforms. A flagship program hosted by Andrew Chang of “The National” will be the main attraction, with advertisements interspersed throughout the day.Article content
As a trade-off for the savings, Netflix says subscribers will be presented with an average of four to five minutes of ads per hour played before and during their TV shows and films.tap here to see other videos from our teamVideo quality on the Netflix ad plan tops out at 720p, leaving full high-definition streaming at 1080p and 4K for premium subscribers. Viewers also won’t be able to download titles on their devices and not everything in the service’s library will be available.
“Canadians don’t have that legacy of experience and as a result may be more resistant to the way Netflix is introducing that service,” he said. However, Netflix’s initial sign-up numbers won’t be the best indicator of long-term success for the ad model, suggested Levy.