((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Added details to paragraphs 6 to 9)
Netflix NFLX.O said on Tuesday its ad-supported plan had reached 70 million monthly active users worldwide, nearly double what it was six months earlier, as customers sought more affordable options.
The plan, priced at $6.99 per month in the United States, now accounts for more than half of all new Netflix signups in regions where it is available. In May, Netflix reached 40 million monthly active users worldwide.
Netflix's cheapest plan, without ads, costs $15.49 per month.
Some analysts have previously suggested that Netflix raise prices on its ad-free options in order to entice customers to opt for the ad-supported option, which typically brings in more revenue per user.
Netflix does not offer details on the financial performance of the ad-supported plan and does not expect it to become a primary driver of growth until 2026. The price of this tier has not changed since its launch at the end of 2022.
The company also said Tuesday that it has signed with FanDuel as the exclusive pre-game sports betting partner for its National Football League (NFL) games taking place on Christmas Day.
“This custom segment will include Netflix Christmas Gameday talent, offering analysis and predictions aligned with FanDuel betting odds for the games,” the company said.
All available ad inventory for the two live NFL games has been sold, and Netflix has partnered with advertisers including Verizon Communications VZ.N.
The company also said Canada became the first country to use Netflix's advertising technology alone. The goal is to deploy this technology globally by 2025.
Netflix shares were up 1.1% in early trading.
