(Correction: In an earlier version of this article, the word "interactive" was missing from the first sentence)LOS ANGELES - Netflix US64110L1061 customers on the cheaper subscription with ads will have to prepare for interactive advertising breaks nex...

(Correction: In an earlier version of this article, the word "interactive" was missing in the first sentence)

LOS ANGELES (dpa-AFX) - Netflix US64110L1061 customers with a cheaper subscription with ads will have to prepare for interactive advertising interruptions next year. Even when pausing playback, advertisements will continue to appear, the video streaming market leader announced. Generative artificial intelligence will also be used in the ad formats "to connect the advertising with the world of our programs." Interactive ads, for example, will contain clickable buttons.

Netflix now has more than 94 million customers worldwide using the subscription model with advertising. In November, the number was around 70 million.

The service has stopped providing information on the overall development of its customer numbers this year. At the end of 2024, there were a total of just over 300 million customer households. Netflix estimates that more than 700 million people worldwide use the service.

Netflix more attractive for advertisers

With the growth of ad subscriptions, Netflix is ​​becoming more attractive to advertisers who previously relied on traditional TV channels. The service is currently available in twelve countries, including Germany.

After its launch, Netflix developed its own advertising platform with partners such as Microsoft US5949181045, which will also be rolled out in Europe next week. This allows advertising to be personalized according to more than 100 interest categories, "including life stages."