All streaming platforms will eventually run ads, and here’s why. In 2026, Netflix’s cheapest ad-free plan costs £13.99 a month, doubling the price from just £5.99 in 2012. Disney+ has made things clearer by updating its UK subscriber agreement to allow ads for all tiers. The pattern is clear: ads arrive as a budget option, then the gap between cheap and ad-free widens, making ad-free feel like a luxury.
How did we get here? Until 2022, streaming was about subscriber growth, and investors were happy to cover losses. But when Netflix reported its first subscriber decline in a decade, profits became a priority. Now, ad tiers let streamers raise prices and sell more services in bundles, reinventing the cable TV package on the internet.
The result? Multiple monthly subscriptions, live sport with ads, and bundled services. We thought streaming had freed us from expenses and hassle. Turns out, we just traded one set of annoyances for another. At least cancelling is now a breeze—just 30 seconds on your app.
Remember, with so many free ad-supported services available, it’s easy to switch if you’re not happy. But for now, ads are here to stay.
