Digital platform prices have skyrocketed... They are competing with the minimum wage
With the expansion of the TV series and film industry, many digital platforms have emerged in the online space. The subscription fees for digital series and film platforms, which were quite affordable when they first launched, have multiplied every year. The total subscription cost for 8 platforms has now approached the minimum wage.
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Those who want to purchase annual subscriptions to eight digital platforms, including Netflix, Disney Plus, BluTV, Amazon Prime Video, Exxen, GAİN, and MUBI, have to pay almost the equivalent of a minimum wage.
Following TV series and film content through the digital world is highly preferred due to its accessibility anytime and anywhere.
Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Exxen, Disney+, BluTV, and GAİN are preferred by a large number of people. While each platform enters a race to capture subscribers with different content, they continue to grow with their developing infrastructure, increasing investments, and exclusive content. However, the subscription fees, which were modest amounts when they were first established or entered Turkey, are no longer that cheap.
THE ANNUAL COST OF A SINGLE PLATFORM IS AT LEAST 1800 TL
According to the report by Şehriban Kıraç from Cumhuriyet, one has to set aside at least 1800 liras per year to be a member of a single platform. The total annual subscription cost for eight digital platforms exceeds 13 thousand liras.
There have been major price hikes in the price lists of these platforms, especially with the start of 2024. Netflix, which greeted its users with increased prices in the first month of 2024 and implemented an increase of up to 30 percent, announced its second price hike of the year this month. Following this hike, Netflix has reflected a 30 percent increase for the second time within the year. Disney+'s prices also showed a significant increase in February 2024.
The subscription fees for the most followed digital platforms are as follows:
For Netflix, the monthly price is 149.99 TL for the “Basic Plan,” 229.99 TL for the “Standard Plan,” and 299.99 TL for the Premium Plan. Netflix’s annual subscription fee reaches 1800 liras. Netflix is preferred by those who say, “As long as there is a series to watch,” and by reality show fans.
Disney+'s monthly subscription fee is 134.99 TL. The annual subscription fee is 1,349 TL. All Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Nat-Geo content, as well as Disney classics, can be watched on this platform.
BluTV’s monthly subscription fee is 139.90 TL. When an annual subscription is purchased, it is possible to watch the platform for 69.90 TL per month with a 12-installment option. Those who love local series and films, and those who enjoy watching mini-series, prefer BluTV.
Amazon Prime’s current monthly subscription fee is 39 TL. When you are an Amazon Prime Video member, you can benefit from all other Amazon Prime services (gaming, free fast shipping, etc.).
Exxen has ad-supported and ad-free subscription options, in addition to monthly and annual subscriptions. The ad-supported membership fee is 99.90 TL per month, while the ad-free subscription is 137.90 TL. Exxen can be preferred by those who do not want to miss matches.
Gain’s subscription fee is 149 TL per month. There are special discounts for students.
It is possible to watch MUBI for 129 TL per month. The annual membership fee is at the level of 1,188 TL. This platform features award-winning films by great directors and “art cinema” works.
YouTube Premium’s monthly fee for students is 37.99 TL. The monthly fee for the family membership of this service is 115.99 TL.