With the smaller number of Netflix subscribers after the Covid-19 outbreak, the company is raising their prices for monthly plans in U.S and Canada. 

Following the initial outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, the number of Netflix subscribers severely decreased. When Squid Game exploded in popularity in 2021, Netflix started seeing minor subscriber growth. However, the growth was not enough to dissuade them from increasing prices by $2. The basic, standard, and premium plans are $9.99, $15.49, and $19.99 a month, respectively.  

 “I’m completely flabbergasted by the sheer incompetence of the creators of Netflix. I feel as though they should reduce it because $30 for two months? Wow,” Senior Walker Luc says. 

Many students like Luc are frustrated with this move from Netflix as they are now more expensive than many other streaming companies in the United States. However, some students recognize the importance of this move for the company to get more money. 

“It seems unreasonable to people using the streaming service, but if you look at it from a company standpoint, it makes perfect sense,” Sophomore Gabriel Asencio explains, “But it could also depend on how much they’re raising the prices by.” 

Over the years, the company has been spending billions of dollars more than the platform has been receiving from subscribers. Netflix has recently claimed by increasing the prices, they will be able to afford to supply and produce more premiere shows. 

“One thing that I live by is you got to see it to believe it,” Luc states. “When we see more premiere shows, then I will gravitate towards the price.” 

After the increase in the company’s prices, many students have turned to other companies to supply their favorite movies and shows, and for a more affordable price. 

“I might get rid of it, it’s too expensive,” Freshman Tyler Brown says. “I’d rather give up Netflix than give up other providers for the same cost.” 

Since the start of the pandemic, competition between Netflix and other companies has been fierce. These other companies have been adding their own unique features to set them apart from Netflix. Some networks, like HBO and Disney plus, added “same day as theater” for some of their titles. Others, like Hulu, are working to set themselves apart by adding shows from other networks. 

“They have more of what’s new out, whereas Netflix is limited to TV station programs,” ESE (Exceptional Student Education) coordinator Kylee Root explains. “With Hulu, you get to see like ABC, NBC, things like that and Netflix is geared more towards their Netflix originals, which are series only run-on Netflix.” 

Despite these differences in competition, many viewers and subscribers are still willing to keep their memberships. Some continue to pay because of the promise of better content and/or enjoy current content and originals and others understand Netflix’s reason behind the company’s decision to raise their prices despite being frustrated about it. 

“It bothers me that they’ve raised their prices. However, if they don’t raise it again, I’ll keep my subscription. Mine didn’t go up as much as others because I only have the lowest level of it,” Root says. “I started out paying at $15 and it’s gone up like 50 cents, but I know others it’s gone up like $5 or $6, so it’s annoying that it keeps going up, but I understand why.”