Netflix shifts focus to ad-supported tier as subscriber growth surges

Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free plan in Canada and the UK, with plans to do the same in the U.S. and France.

Driving the news. Netflix added 8 million global subscribers in Q2, with its ad-supported plan gaining significant traction.

The budget-friendly tier now accounts for over 45% of new signups in markets where it’s available, signaling a potential shift in Netflix’s business model.

• The company is also testing pause ads, which appear when viewers stop watching.