Netflix is testing out a free plan with no ads (and reduced content) in Kenya, and it could make its way to other countries if it’s a success.
You may or may not be aware that Netflix has a big presentation coming up on September 25 called Tudum. It’s there to showcase all the cool, awesome content coming to the platform. And with celebrity after celebrity promoting the event, it’ll surely get people to consider buying a subscription to Netflix if they haven’t already.
And that’s one way Netflix plans on getting more subscribers. For some who still aren’t ready to pay for a subscription, Netflix will cut them a deal: they can get a limited version of Netflix for free. And that’s a great price!
The catch is that this free plan will only be available in Kenya, and it’s a market they’re reportedly testing because of low subscription rates in the country. According to Variety, this plan can only be watched on an Android mobile device, and it includes only one-fourth of the content that’s available on Netflix. That likely means far less content that comes from outside studios, meaning any free plan will lean heavily on Netflix’s original content.
And that’s not a terrible thing. Netflix has a solid catalog now, including series like Stranger Things and The Witcher. So it’s a decent deal considering it allows people to keep up with some of the best Netflix shows without having to pay (or watch ads).
But remember: this isn’t about Netflix generously providing the world with free entertainment. The end goal is to get as many users as they can to upgrade to a paid subscription so they can watch all the stuff Netflix is holding back. Luckily, the free plan doesn’t require any credit card information, so there’s basically no downside to subscribing.
If this works out in Kenya, it’s possible Netflix may roll out this plan in other areas. Although, as The A.V. Club mentions, we likely won’t see it coming to the U.S. — America is such a strong market for Netflix that they probably wouldn’t even bother.
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