Netflix ‘Basic with Ads’ tier: How it’s different from ad-free plans and how much it will cost

Netflix has finally released details for its long-awaited ad-supported tier, which it officially calls the “Basic with Ads” plan. As the streaming giant previously suggested, the cheaper membership option will be initially available in select countries at a more affordable price.

The Netflix Basic with Ads tier will go live in 12 countries at three different launch dates, according to the company’s press call on Thursday. It will first arrive in Canada and Mexico on Nov. 1. Then, it will be available in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States on Nov. 3. Lastly, it will be released in Spain on Nov. 10. The launch time for all release dates is at 9 a.m. PST.

Netflix’s ad-supported plan will cost $6.99 per month. International pricing will be roughly similar in all 12 territories as shown in the image below.

Photo from Netflix (via YouTube)

Netflix Basic with Ads will have some features similar to the ad-free plans, including the option to watch on any device that supports the streaming app. Subscribers can only watch on one screen at a time.

Both Basic plans with and without ads will stream content in 720p HD resolution. A Netflix support page also indicates the new tier will provide unlimited access to the Netflix Games library. It is unclear, though, if the mobile games will remain ad-free when installed through a profile on a Basic with Ads subscription.

There will be an average of 4 to 5 minutes worth of commercials for every hour of content, Netflix said. They will appear before and during a movie or show, and each ad will run for 15 to 30 seconds.

Netflix confirmed that the Basic with Ads tier will not carry some titles offered on ad-free plans. “A limited number of movies and TV shows won't be available due to licensing restrictions, which we’re working on,” the company said. The download feature that lets members watch offline is also another thing customers will miss when they switch to the ad-supported option.

The company said it will help advertisers “reach the right audience” by offering “targeting capabilities” based on subscribers’ country and genres they like. Netflix will also let advertisers avoid movies and shows with content that do not align with their brand, which typically affects movies and shows with mature themes.

Photo by Renato Ramos Puma (@renatoramospuma) from Unsplash