Netflix has officially announced a significant price increase for its subscription plans in France, effective April 18, 2025. This move follows a similar hike implemented in the United States in December 2024. The streaming giant is raising the cost of all its subscription tiers by 33%, marking the most substantial increase in years.
The new pricing structure sees the Standard plan with ads jump from €5.99 to €7.99 per month, while the Standard plan without ads rises from €13.49 to €14.99. The Premium plan, which offers 4K streaming and allows for additional users, will now cost €21.99 per month, up from €19.99.
Netflix's decision to increase prices comes on the heels of a strong financial performance. In its quarterly earnings report released on April 17, 2025, the company reported revenues exceeding $10 billion for the first quarter, representing a 12.5% increase year-on-year, alongside a net profit of nearly $2.9 billion. The company is projecting over $11 billion in revenue for the current quarter, and it appears that price increases are part of its strategy to boost profitability further.
"As we bring more value to our members, we refine our plans and pricing to enhance monetization and drive investment in future service improvements," Netflix stated in a letter to shareholders. This sentiment echoes the company's recent adjustments in other major markets, including the U.S., the U.K., and Argentina.
Since its entry into the French market in 2014, Netflix has consistently raised its subscription prices. The Standard plan, which cost €8.99 at launch, has now increased by 67%, while the Premium plan has seen an 83% rise, from €11.99 to €21.99. Such increases reflect Netflix's ongoing efforts to maintain its position as a leader in the streaming industry.
The latest price hikes have sparked discussions among consumers, many of whom are concerned about the rising costs of streaming services. With Netflix now becoming the most expensive streaming platform in France, surpassing Disney+, which offers its 4K plan at €13.99 per month, subscribers are feeling the pinch.
Despite the price increases, Netflix continues to attract a significant number of subscribers. The platform reached a milestone of over 300 million subscribers globally in December 2024, gaining nearly 19 million new subscriptions during the fourth quarter of that year. However, Netflix has shifted its focus from subscriber growth to revenue per subscriber, a strategy that may lead to further price increases in the future.
Industry experts are predicting that consumers should brace themselves for more price hikes as Netflix aims to enhance its revenue streams. In January, Netflix reported that its ad-supported plan accounted for over 55% of new sign-ups in markets where it was available. Co-CEO Greg Peters noted, "We doubled our advertising revenue year-on-year in 2024 and expect to double it again this year." This suggests that the company is banking on its ad-supported model to generate significant income moving forward.
As competition in the streaming market intensifies, with platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max vying for viewer attention, Netflix's pricing strategy will be closely watched. The recent price increases could prompt subscribers to reconsider their options, especially as alternatives become more appealing.
While Netflix has made strides in enhancing its content library, including popular series like "Squid Game," "Bridgerton," and "Stranger Things," the question remains whether these increases will deter long-term subscribers. The streaming giant's ability to balance content quality and pricing will be crucial in retaining its subscriber base.
In conclusion, Netflix's latest price hike reflects its ongoing strategy to boost revenues amid a competitive streaming landscape. As subscribers digest the new pricing, it will be interesting to see how this impacts viewer engagement and subscription retention in the coming months.
