Netflix is preparing to roll out its lower-priced advertising-supported subscription plan in more markets, including Thailand, in 2027, as the company points to strong global momentum for the service.
The streaming platform said its ad-backed tier has continued to gain traction since launch, with more subscribers opting for cheaper plans that include commercial breaks.
Netflix introduced the package, initially known as Basic with Ads, in selected countries in 2022 as part of a wider strategy to reach cost-conscious viewers and build a new advertising revenue stream.
The company is now planning to bring the ad-supported option to 15 more countries, with Thailand among the markets included in the next phase of expansion.
Netflix said growth in the tier has been supported by rising user numbers and stronger viewing activity among subscribers who choose the advertising-based plan.
According to the company, its ad-supported plans now reach about 250 million users worldwide, while viewing engagement has continued to climb and has surpassed 80% in some markets.
In the United States, Netflix currently prices its Basic with Ads plan at US$8.99 per month, compared with US$19.99 per month for its standard ad-free subscription.
The company said ad-supported subscriptions accounted for about 60% of new sign-ups in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting that more viewers are looking for lower-cost streaming choices.
Netflix also reported that subscribers to the Basic with Ads package rose by more than 4,000, marking an increase of around 70% from the previous year.
Advertising is expected to become a growing part of Netflix’s business, with projections indicating that the company could generate about US$3 billion from ad revenue by the end of 2026.
The planned expansion underlines a wider shift across the streaming industry, where platforms are increasingly using advertising-supported plans to attract subscribers while improving profitability.
