By Lanre Bida
Business News Correspondent
Netflix has announced another round of subscription price increases, raising costs across all its service tiers in a move that has sparked frustration among subscribers.
The streaming giant confirmed that its ad-supported plan will now cost $8.99 per month, up from $7.99. The standard subscription has increased to $19.99, while the premium plan now stands at $26.99 per month.
The company also raised fees for users who share accounts outside their households. Additional member charges will now cost $6.99 for ad-supported plans and $9.99 for ad-free subscriptions.
Netflix said the adjustments are necessary to support its growing investment in content and expand into new formats such as live programming and video podcasts. The company plans to spend roughly $20 billion on new shows, films, and live entertainment in 2026.
Despite the explanation, many subscribers reacted negatively online, complaining about rising costs and questioning whether the platform’s content justifies the higher prices. Some users pointed out that this marks another increase following a previous hike in early 2025.
Netflix reported more than 325 million subscribers globally at the end of 2025 and expects continued growth in advertising revenue, particularly from its ad-supported tier. The company is also expanding into live entertainment and experimenting with new programming formats to attract and retain viewers.
Industry analysts say the latest price adjustment reflects a broader trend in the streaming industry, where platforms are raising subscription fees to maintain profitability amid growing competition.
