Netflix is tying up with Microsoft for its new ad-supported streaming tier, the company announced. Microsoft will become the streaming giant’s “global advertising technology and sales partner” once the cheaper option rolls out.
Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters wrote in a post: “It’s very early days and we have much to work through. But our long-term goal is clear. More choice for consumers and a premium, better-than-linear TV brand experience for advertisers. We’re excited to work with Microsoft as we bring this new service to life.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix chose Microsoft as its partner over Google and Comcast for two significant reasons. Unlike the other two, also reportedly in the running to assist with the ad build-up, Microsoft does not have its own video service platform competing with Netflix. Additionally, Microsoft acquired Xandr from AT&T late last year — Xandr is an ad tech company that wants to build technology for a post-cookie world.
Microsoft said in a blog post, Netflix marketers would work with Microsoft to bring ads to the streaming platform’s ecosystem. “Today’s announcement also endorses Microsoft’s approach to privacy, which is built on protecting customers’ information,” Mikhail Parakhin, Microsoft’s president of web experiences, said.
Microsoft is also looking into bringing ads to free-to-play Xbox games, reports suggest.
Netflix hinted at an ad-supported, cheaper tier in May and confirmed the possibility last month. Although Netflix is yet to announce an official date for the rollout, it is rumoured for release by the end of 2022. The Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix was considering a cheaper ad-supported version for each of its three streaming tiers.
Netflix’s announcement to introduce an ad-supported tier emerged following the company’s revelation that it had witnessed a decline in subscriber base for the first time in a decade last quarter. The company is also exploring live streaming options and ways to prevent password-sharing to mitigate a decline in subscribers.
