Netflix, the streaming giant, has announced a new increase in subscription prices in France, effective April 18, 2025. The company has adjusted its pricing structure across all its subscription plans, a move that has raised eyebrows among its vast user base. The standard subscription without ads will now cost €14.99 per month, up from €13.49, marking a significant increase that reflects a 67% rise since Netflix first entered the French market in 2014.
Additionally, the standard subscription that includes ads will see a price hike of €2, bringing the monthly fee to €7.99. Meanwhile, the premium plan, which allows users to stream on four devices and includes access to films, series, and mobile games without ads, will increase from €19.99 to €21.99 per month. These new rates will apply to current subscriptions in the coming weeks, with Netflix notifying its customers via email.
This price adjustment is not the first for Netflix in recent months; it follows similar increases implemented in the United States and Canada in December 2024. The company has been facing a slowdown in subscriber growth, which has led to a strategic decision to increase prices as a means to enhance revenue and invest in future service improvements. The latest quarterly results, which exceeded expectations, showed that Netflix generated over $10 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, a 12.5% increase year-over-year, and a net profit of nearly €3 billion.
Ross Benes, a streaming industry analyst, noted, "Consumers can expect further price increases in the near future," as Netflix continues to navigate the competitive streaming landscape. The company aims to leverage its existing user base more effectively and tap into new revenue streams, including advertising.
Despite the price hikes, Netflix remains a dominant player in the streaming market, boasting over 300 million subscribers globally by the end of 2024. In contrast, Disney Plus had approximately 125 million subscribers during the same period. Netflix's focus has shifted from merely tracking subscriber numbers to measuring engagement, particularly the time viewers spend watching content.
Since the beginning of 2025, several productions have contributed to increased viewership, including the films "Back in Action," "Ad Vitam," and "Counter Attack," along with the hit British series "Adolescence." However, the recent price increases have raised questions among subscribers about whether they will continue to pay the new rates or consider alternatives in a crowded streaming market.
As Netflix and other streaming services like Disney+, Deezer, Spotify, and Amazon Music have all announced price hikes, consumers are left to weigh the cost against the quality and diversity of content offered. The cumulative effect of these increases could strain household budgets already burdened by rising costs in energy and everyday goods.
In response to the ongoing inflation in subscription prices, some users have turned to platforms like Spliit, Sharit, or Sharesub, which facilitate shared subscriptions among users. These services allow individuals to share access to various streaming platforms, potentially reducing costs. For instance, a family utilizing only three out of four screens on a Netflix premium plan could share the unused access with others, saving a significant amount annually.
However, Netflix has tightened its policies on account sharing, making it more challenging for users to share subscriptions beyond their primary household. This has prompted some subscribers to either pay extra fees or consider individual subscriptions. Additionally, bundling subscriptions through providers like Canal+ or Amazon Prime may offer more economical options for consumers seeking to consolidate their entertainment expenses.
Netflix's recent price adjustments are part of a broader trend in the streaming industry, where companies are increasingly focused on monetizing their services amid a rapidly changing economic landscape. As competition intensifies, streaming platforms must continually innovate and improve their offerings to retain subscribers.
Looking ahead, the future of Netflix’s pricing strategy will likely depend on its ability to balance subscriber satisfaction with the need for revenue growth. As the company continues to refine its plans and pricing, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact its loyal user base and the overall streaming market.
