Despite additions and cancellations, Netflix continues to grow. What does the future of the platform hold for us?
In a world where change is constant, Netflix is back in the spotlight, but not exactly for the reasons fans want. As we recover from past price increases, industry analysts are predicting another increase in 2024. While this may sound like bad news, there is more to this story than meets the eye.
Netflix: A rollercoaster of emotions
The streaming platform has been on an emotional roller coaster with its subscribers. After announcing a price hike in October 2023 that affected users in the United States, United Kingdom and France, fans paid up to $3 for their basic and premium plans. The move comes in the midst of the SAG-AFTRA strike, which contradicts the company’s policy of waiting until the strike is over to implement changes first.
However, despite consumer frustration and the cancellation of a total of 14 shows by 2023, Netflix has seen growth in both viewers and subscriptions. According to the UBS report, Netflix’s market share has increased from 7.7% in December 2023 to 7.9% in January 2024. 2021 and 2022.
Although popular series such as “Shadow and Bone” and “Lockwood & Company” were lost. It was a heavy blow for many, Netflix was able to compensate with new and interesting content. The live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and Guy Ritchie’s sequel, based on the film “The Gentlemen,” premiering on March 7, promise to be a consolation for those forced to spend a little more.
Additionally, this dynamic of cancellations and releases has sparked debate among fans about the future of their favorite content and the direction Netflix is taking. The platform not only innovates with new productions but also adapts past favorite stories to ensure a mix of nostalgia and innovation. This approach can be a key strategy to retain subscribers despite the price increase, which, despite the lack of popularity, is offset by the promise of quality and unique entertainment.
On the other hand, the inclusion of international series and less common original projects has proved another up the sleeve for Netflix. With the launch of series like “1899” and investments in productions from different countries, Netflix is positioning itself as a global entertainment window, expanding its catalog and giving subscribers one more reason to stay. This commitment to diversity and innovation reflects the platform’s efforts to stay ahead of market trends and cater to the changing tastes of a global audience.
What does this leave us with?
The Netflix landscape is complex. On the one hand, price increases and cancellations may seem like drastic measures, but on the other hand, the growth of subscriptions and the inclusion of new quality content shows that the strategy has paid off so far.
As we navigate these tumultuous waters, one thing is clear: Netflix remains a dominant presence in the entertainment world, willing to make tough decisions in its quest to stay on top. While this may mean losing some beloved series along the way, the prospect of new adventures on the screen suggests that for Netflix and its subscribers, the show must go on.