Netflix partners with Microsoft to offer cheaper streaming plan

Netflix will partner with Micrsoft on a new, cheaper streaming plan

Netflix will work with Microsoft to launch a cheaper subscription plan that includes advertisements, the firms said Wednesday, as the streaming giant fights to attract customers.

Netflix opted to develop the lower-cost offering after a disappointing first quarter in which it lost subscribers for the first time in a decade, and after years of resistance against the very idea of running ads. 

Microsoft will be responsible for designing and managing the platform for advertisers who want to serve ads to Netflix users. 

Microsoft added that advertisers "will have access to the Netflix audience and premium connected TV inventory."

Analysts were not surprised by Netflix's choice in Microsoft because it offers fewer conflicts of interest for Netflix than some other companies.

After years of amassing subscribers, Netflix lost 200,000 customers worldwide in the first quarter compared to the end of 2021, which sent its share plunging. 

Netflix indicated it would get tougher on sharing logins and passwords, which allow many people not to pay to access the platform's content. 

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