Netflix subscribers are threatening to leave the streaming platform if it adds commercials.
For as far as most of us have known, Netflix has never had commercials or ads on the streaming platform and has seemingly always been against the idea of adding them. Back in 2015, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings stated that the addition of commercials wouldn’t happen.
“No advertising coming onto Netflix. Period. Just adding relevant trailers for other Netflix content you are likely to love,” wrote in a 2015 Facebook post.
But, it looks like things might be changing as Netflix claims to be taking an interest in consumers who’d like cheaper streaming options.
“Those who have followed Netflix know that I have been against the complexity of advertising, and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription,” said Hastings during a company earnings call, The New York Times reports, per Newsweek. “But as much as I am a fan of that, I am a bigger fan of consumer choice. And allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price, and are advertising-tolerant, get what they want makes a lot of sense,” he continued.
The news that Netflix might incorporate ads isn’t sitting too well with subscribers.
“Hey @ netflix, I’ve been a member since 2006 but if you add commercials I’m gone. It’s really that simple. I left cable for your service because of ads,” said Michael Donohoe, head of product Rest of World.
Another person wrote: “RIP Netflix. I’m not paying $20 a month to watch ads.” Another Twitter user wrote: “YouTube has grown to make me hate ads. And now Netflix?”
