Netflix UK sales grow as it gains more and higher-paying subscribers

The British services arm of the global company said it has seen more members sign up to the platform as it grows in popularity.

Anna Wise
Tuesday 10 October 2023 12:13 BST
Netflix UK has revealed its sales grew last year as the streaming platform gained more and higher-paying subscribers (Netflix/PA)
Netflix UK has revealed its sales grew last year as the streaming platform gained more and higher-paying subscribers (Netflix/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Netflix UK has revealed its sales grew last year as the streaming platform gained more and higher-paying subscribers.

The British services arm of the global company, which streams popular series such as Sex Education, The Crown and Top Boy, said it has seen more members sign up to the platform as it grows in popularity.

It reported a 12% increase in total revenues, from £1.38 billion in 2021 to £1.54 billion in 2022.

Sales, which primarily come from membership fees, rose as it saw a 4% increase in the average number of paid subscribers during the day.

Furthermore, the average monthly revenue per paying membership shot up by 14% compared to the previous year, as people paid more on average for the streaming service.

“The increase in revenue is due to a larger member base, which continues to grow as Netflix becomes more popular,” the company said.

Netflix upped the price of its standard and premium subscriptions last year, to £10.99 and £15.99 per month respectively. It also introduced a standard plan with adverts for £4.99 a month.

The move to introduce advert-free subscriptions for a higher fee has been replicated by rival streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Amazon Prime this year.

Netflix UK said its pre-tax profit for 2022 was £34.1 million, up from £27.9 million the previous year.

It came as the average number of full-time employees increased to 202, from 153 the prior year.

The firm also saw total salaries and wages for employees jump to £41.8 million from £29.2 million.

Netflix said it had a surge in the number of subscribers earlier this year after cracking down on password sharing and rolling out the cheaper membership option.

It added 5.9 million new subscribers between April and June and reported a slight uplift in earnings for the quarter.

But it came amid the largest industry strike action for decades as writers and actors in Hollywood protested over issues including pay and the rising threat of artificial intelligence (AI).

Last month, writers in the US agreed to call off strikes after board members came to an agreement with Hollywood studio bosses.

But union leaders representing actors remain in talks with studios, and the walkouts are expected to have a significant impact on the roll-out of TV programmes and films in cinemas and streaming services.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in