His followers Netflix Those who watch movies and TV shows from their sofa have a new opportunity: pay less for their favorite programs, but watch ads in between.

Popular streaming platform a few hours ago launched the basic subscription package “Basic with ads” what will be more economical and affordable initially in 12 countries (Brazil, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain, UK and USA), while expansion to other countries is planned in the future. The subscription price will be approx. 7 dollars. However, in Greece it seems that the service will come later.

The ad will run five to seven minutes per hour and will be shown without fail before and during films and series.

Perhaps this is a major shift for the tech giant, which has pioneered the world of streaming by offering ad-free series and movies as it relied on a subscription.

But while rising prices and offerings from new competitors (Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.) are pushing audiences to leave the platform, Netflix Inc. he had to act.

While announcing the new service, Netflix officials said they were confident they now have “a cost and a plan for every fan.”

At Netflix, the number of subscribers decreased in the first quarter by 200,000 users worldwide. In the first half of the year, losses increased to over 1 million subscribers. According to the BBC, the company won back its losses in the three months to September.

But a recent global survey by consulting firm Simon Kucher found that more than a third of customers are considering canceling their subscription within the next 12 months, especially in markets like China, India and the Americas.

Due to cost-of-living concerns, Netflix has an opportunity through advertising to help retain its audience, Dominic Sunebo, director of global consumer intelligence at the Kantar World Panel, told the BBC.

And while the platform was once distinguished by its lack of ads, research by Kantar and other related companies shows that public acceptance of ads is on the rise.

However, among non-subscribers, a US DISQO study found that only 25-35% were interested in subscribing to an advertising service. Even if the audience is small, it can be beneficial for Netflix.

According to the BBC, Netflix