About a month ago, news started popping up that the streaming giant Netflix was doing some experiments. It was giving some users ads in between episodes of TV shows, in an effort to see whether or not those ads led to audiences finding more shows they enjoyed watching. Nice spin there, Netflix. We know what’s really up.
Many people online voiced their concern about this. Netflix is the service we go to when we don’t want ads. It’s one of their defining features when compared to others like Hulu. But would it actually affect users’ desire to use the service? That was the subject of a recent study by The Hub (via IndieWire).
The organization surveyed 1,612 TV viewers ages 16-74 and asked them what they’d do if Netflix made these ads a regular thing. According to them, 23 percent of users said they would unsubscribe, 41 percent said they’d keep definitely or probably keep their subscription, and 37 percent were undecided.
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Obviously, it’s hard to test how accurate this is since it’s one thing for users to say they’re going to do something and another for them to actually do it. All the same, it’s an interesting snapshot of how some people feel about it, and it’s clear that nearly one-quarter of them have pretty strong opinions about it.
It’s worth clarifying that this was if the price stayed the same — so this could change if they added ads but lowered the price.
Personally, I’m in the group that would keep their subscription should this happen. I don’t watch Netflix for the ad-free experience, but the original content they provide for a reasonable price. I’m also one of those weirdos who doesn’t mind ads if they’re catered to me. More things I might enjoy to watch? Sure, why not? The only downside for me is that it’ll take longer to actually consume.
What do you think? Would you cancel your subscription of Netflix added ads? Let us know down below!
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SOURCE: IndieWire