Netflix’s pricier, ad-filled strategy seems to be working

Squid Game season 3 still image
A still from Squid Game Season 3. Image: Netflix.
100% human

Growing subscription prices seem to have had little impact on Australia’s enthusiasm for Netflix, according to the streamer’s latest financial results. In Netflix’s second quarter, its revenue grew by 24% year-on-year in the Asia-Pacific region, up to $1.3 billion.

That’s despite the company’s most expensive tier costing $25.99 a month after last year’s price increase. That, combined with Netflix’s $7.99 ad-supported tier, seems to be doing the trick, with the company’s financial report citing “more members, higher subscription pricing and increased ad revenue” as big earners.

While the report didn’t mention how many Australians are subscribed, it revealed that members watched more than 95 billion hours of content in the first half of 2025. Squid Game was one of the top shows, along with Adolescence and Zero Day.

Even though the impact of Netflix has fragmented TV viewing, it’s still an incredibly popular service.