It is now a known fact that Netflix will offer a new subscription level to be supported by advertisements. However, the streaming giant may impose some restrictions as well as interrupting the content with promotional messages.
Judging by a discovery made in the code of the Netflix app, it appears that the company may not allow downloads. That is, Netflix can only allow offline downloads at the ad-free subscription levels of the service. Ad-supported levels may not download content for offline viewing.
Netflix started allowing offline viewing in 2016. However, the company did not see this feature as an added advantage. In fact, the company seemed to be planning to offer this feature to increase subscriber count in regions with below average internet.
Netflix is considering many different ways to distinguish ad-free subscriptions from ad-supported subscriptions. Earlier this year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos mentioned that the ad-supported tier would not contain exactly the same content as the ad-free tier. In short, Netflix may restrict access to certain series and movies, and those who choose the ad-supported membership level may not be able to watch all the content on the platform.
Sarandos even hinted that the ad-supported subscription option “aims to be a pass-through level that gives people a good experience at a lower price.” In other words, we can easily say that Netflix wants the ad-supported level to be a step in the transition to full membership, not a permanent solution for subscribers. The company clearly wants its subscribers to opt for ad-free subscriptions.
Netflix has signed with Microsoft as its advertising technology and sales partner. The new ad-supported tier will be cheaper than standard ad-free subscriptions and is expected to be available next year…
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