Digital content and subscriptions grew 9.7 per cent in the UK in October, as streamflation – the rising price of streaming services – continued.
Popular programmes such as Rivals, Heartstopper, Nobody Wants This and Agatha All Along continued to encourage Brits to spend evenings indoors, but the rise in prices has also seen many paying more to access popular TV services.
Netflix announced a number of changes to its pricing last year. Its most expensive plan also increased in price by £2, now costing £17.99, with various options for add-ons.
How much do streaming services cost us a month?
Streaming continues to boom, despite increases in prices pretty much across the board over the last 18 months. Standard prices are now as follows for the main players (aside from discounts and free trials):
- Netflix: From £4.99 a month (with ads) up to £17.99 premium service
- Amazon Prime: £8.99, with options for free delivery and early access to deals.
- Apple TV: £8.99 a month
- Disney+: £4.99 a month with ads, £7.99 a month without ads or £79.90 a year
- NowTV: £9.99 a month
While prices have risen for most streaming services, and ads have crept in, customers are seemingly willing to keep on paying, giving up nights out in the pub, restaurant meals and even takeaways in a bid to see the latest TV shows from the comfort of their sofas.
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Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, says: “The days may be getting darker and longer, but Brits continue to find the bright spots by prioritising the things they love.
“The small screen continues to draw Brits to cosier evenings in, cutting back on evenings out at pubs, bars, and restaurants, instead enjoying streaming and shopping from the comfort of home. We’ll be keeping a close on whether consumer confidence holds in November and in the run up to Christmas.”
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