Streaming services raise subscription costs, crack down on account sharing

By South Loop TV News Team

Subscribers are dealing with higher monthly fees as streaming platforms change their approach to increase profits.

In March, Netflix increased the cost of its ad-free streaming plan from $17.99 to $19.99 per month. This subscription tier allows for simultaneous streaming on two devices. A premium tier allowing up to four screens costs $26.99.

Spotify and HBO are among other streamers who have raised their prices this year. These price hikes are in response to streaming services operating at a loss for years, but in 2025, Netflix  made $8.71 billion in profits, giving them a profit margin of 22%.

The rising subscription costs may be responsible for a turn back toward physical media. DVD and Blu-Ray sales decreased only 9% last year after dropping 20% in 2023 and 2024.

Reporter and Camera: Will Blakley

Web Writer: Sydney Richardson