More advertisements are being introduced on Netflix, even though there are already 250 million subscribers paying to watch content that includes ads.

      Netflix's advertisements are set to become significantly more personalized. Here's why you should take notice.

      Netflix held its fourth annual Upfront event this week. Although most of the announcements were geared towards advertisers, there are several updates that will impact regular viewers as well. If you subscribe to Netflix’s more affordable ad-supported plan, here’s what you can expect.

      So, what is the size of Netflix’s ad tier?

      Netflix reported that its ad-supported plan now reaches over 250 million active monthly viewers worldwide, with more than 80% of those viewers actively watching each week. This marks a significant increase from the 94 million users the company reported last year. It appears that not only is the ad-supported plan thriving, but it is also attracting new subscribers at a quicker pace than its other offerings.

      Thibault Penin / Unsplash

      Amy Reinhard, Netflix's president of advertising, stated, “If the last couple of years were about proving we’re a durable player, this year is about establishing ourselves as a formidable one.”

      This clearly shows that Netflix is committed to expanding its ad-supported tier. In fact, the streaming giant has already announced plans to launch this tier in 15 new countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Thailand, starting in 2027.

      Should we anticipate more ads?

      In short, yes. The company is optimistic about its ad-tier success and is not only launching ads in new areas but also implementing AI tools to offer more targeted advertisements based on your viewing habits and preferences.

      The company is experimenting with personalized ad loads and frequency limits, meaning Netflix will tailor the number of ads you encounter based on your viewing behavior. Additionally, ads will be introduced in new formats, such as podcasts and vertical videos on mobile devices, with a global rollout planned for 2027.

      While this may be beneficial for advertisers, it can be detrimental for subscribers. It's difficult to understand how viewing ads while already paying for a service has become normal, and I personally find it hard to accept.

      I would prefer limitations on the content available to me when subscribing to a lower-tier plan rather than facing an overload of ads throughout the interface. Personalized ads not only feel intrusive, but they also indicate that companies are leveraging your private viewing history and data to target you with advertisements—something I would rather avoid.

      Rachit is a seasoned tech journalist with over seven years of experience covering the consumer technology landscape.

      A new trailer for Backrooms indicates it might be the horror film that finally captures the essence of creepypasta accurately.

      A24's Backrooms will hit theaters on May 29, following the release of its final trailer and receiving positive early feedback.

      A24 has unveiled the final trailer for Backrooms, and if you haven't been paying attention to this film, now is the time to do so. It premieres in theaters on May 29, and its backstory is quite unique, originating from a single anonymous photo shared on a paranormal forum in 2019, which evolved into one of the internet's most chilling urban legends.

      From a 4chan post to an A24 feature film.

      Disney+ has officially announced the release date for VisionQuest, bringing the WandaVision trilogy closer to its conclusion.

      VisionQuest will debut on Disney+ on October 14, completing the WandaVision trilogy.

      Marvel fans have been eagerly anticipating this release. Disney confirmed during its Upfront presentation that VisionQuest, the WandaVision spin-off featuring Paul Bettany, will premiere on Disney+ on October 14. The announcement included a first-look teaser, with memorable appearances from stars like Bettany, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Hiddleston, providing fans with their first real peek at what’s ahead.

      Spotify now invites you to revisit your entire music journey.

      This new feature is a nostalgic experience for your Spotify music library.

      While Spotify Wrapped typically offers a summary of your year in music, Spotify 20 delves even deeper, creating a more personal experience. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Spotify has introduced Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s), a mobile-only in-app experience that reviews your entire listening history on the platform. It highlights milestones like your first day on Spotify, the total number of unique songs you've played, your very first streamed track, and your most-streamed artist of all time. Additionally, Spotify is providing users with an All-Time Top Songs Playlist featuring their 120 most-played songs along with play counts.