Netflix: A Record Year and Optimistic Outlook for the Future

The streaming giant Netflix celebrated 2024 with impressive income figures, driven by an increase of 19 million new paying members in the fourth quarter—a record previously unattained by the company. By the end of the year, Netflix recorded a total of 302 million memberships, highlighting the strength of its global appeal. This success was accompanied by announced price increases for numerous subscriptions in the US, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina. The price for the standard ad-free plan will now be raised to $17.99 per month, compared to $15.49 previously. The ad-supported plan also experiences a price increase to $7.99 monthly. Already factored into the forecasts for 2025, Netflix will no longer publish reports on paid memberships and average revenue per member starting from the first quarter of 2025. Annual revenue increased by 16% compared to the previous year, supported by successful productions such as the second season of "Squid Game" and the film "Carry-On," both of which ranked in the top 10 on the Netflix charts. The market reacted to the stocks with a rise of over 13% in after-hours trading. Another highlight was the streaming of major events such as the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, considered the most-watched sports event in Netflix history. Additionally, NFL games on Christmas set records and increased operating income by an impressive 25%. Even the "Beyoncé Bowl" event contributed to a viewership record of 50 million. With an expected revenue figure between $43.5 and $44.5 billion, an increase of $500 million compared to previous projections, Netflix is focusing on strengthening its core business through more popular content, improved user experiences, and an expansion of its advertising business. Meanwhile, new areas like live programming and gaming are being explored. Netflix enters the new year full of confidence and emphasizes its commitment to creating content that is rooted in the cultural zeitgeist. For 2025, the return of two major series hits, Stranger Things and Wednesday, is already on the horizon.