Netflix experienced a surge in new sign-ups at the end of last year due to its crackdown on password-sharing. The streaming giant added over 13.1 million subscriptions in the last three months of 2023, the highest number for any quarter since 2020. Netflix expressed confidence in its growth trajectory and announced plans to raise prices. Despite the crackdown, many new members opted for the company's cheapest plan, even though it includes advertisements. This unexpected growth comes after a decline in subscribers and profits earlier in the year, prompting Netflix to explore new strategies to attract viewers and increase revenue.

In addition to the password crackdown, Netflix is experimenting with more live events to attract new audiences. It recently announced a 10-year, $5 billion deal to bring WWE Raw, the most popular weekly pro-wrestling show, to its platform. Other streaming companies, such as Amazon, are also making similar moves to expand their offerings. While Netflix initially resisted selling ads, it has now embraced this strategy to generate more income per account. The company charges lower prices for its standard plan with advertisements compared to the ad-free version. However, Netflix does not expect advertising to significantly contribute to its growth this year.

Despite concerns from analysts that sign-ups would suffer without a standout hit, Netflix added more new subscribers than expected in the last quarter. The company attributed this to a strong lineup of programs, including popular series like the Beckham documentary and Adam Sandler's Leo. Netflix also received 18 Oscar nominations, further highlighting its success. The news of the surge in sign-ups caused shares to increase by over 6% in after-hours trade. Overall, Netflix reported revenue of over $33.7 billion in 2023, a 6% increase from the previous year, with profits reaching $5.4 billion.

In conclusion, Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing led to a surge in new sign-ups, resulting in the highest number of subscriptions for any quarter since 2020. The company is confident in its growth path and plans to raise prices. Despite the crackdown, many new members opted for the cheapest plan, which includes advertisements. Netflix is also exploring other strategies, such as live events, to attract new viewers. The unexpected growth in subscribers and the strong lineup of programs contributed to Netflix's success, as evidenced by its Oscar nominations.

Original news source: Netflix password crackdown fuels sign-up surge (BBC)

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to read the article and write a summary of the main points in their own words. They should include information on Netflix's surge in new sign-ups, its crackdown on password-sharing, the addition of WWE Raw to its platform, and its plans to raise prices. Encourage them to use their English language skills to accurately convey the key information.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Ask each group to come up with three questions related to the article, such as "Do you think Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing is fair?" or "Would you be willing to pay more for a Netflix subscription if it included live events?" Have each group ask their questions to the other groups and record their responses. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion where groups can share their findings and discuss different perspectives.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words from the article, such as "surge," "crackdown," "subscriptions," "advertisements," and "nominations." Divide the class into teams and give each team a set of vocabulary words. One member from each team should come to the front of the class and draw a picture to represent one of the words, while their teammates try to guess the word. The team with the most correct guesses wins.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to create a list of pros (advantages) of Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing, and assign the other group to create a list of cons (disadvantages). Give each group time to discuss and write down their points. Then, have a class debate where each group takes turns presenting their arguments. Encourage students to use persuasive language and support their points with evidence from the article.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think about and write down their answers to the following question: "What strategies do you think Netflix could use to continue attracting new viewers and increasing revenue?" After a few minutes, have students pair up and share their ideas with their partner. Encourage them to discuss and elaborate on their ideas, as well as listen to their partner's suggestions. Finally, facilitate a class discussion where pairs can share their ideas with the whole class.

Netflix experienced a surge in new sign-ups at the end of last year due to its crackdown on password-sharing. The streaming giant added over 13.1 million subscriptions in the last three months of 2023, the highest ? for any quarter since 2020. Netflix expressed confidence in its growth trajectory and announced plans to raise prices. Despite the crackdown, many new members ? for the company's cheapest plan, even though it includes advertisements. This unexpected growth comes after a decline in ? and ? earlier in the year, prompting Netflix to explore new strategies to attract viewers and increase revenue. In addition to the password crackdown, Netflix is experimenting with more live events to attract new audiences. It recently announced a 10-year, $5 billion deal to bring WWE Raw, the most popular weekly pro-wrestling show, to its platform. ? streaming companies, such as Amazon, are also making similar moves to expand their ?. While Netflix initially resisted selling ads, it has now ? this ? to generate more income per account. The company charges lower prices for its standard plan with advertisements compared to the ad-free version. However, Netflix does not expect advertising to significantly contribute to its growth this year. Despite concerns from analysts that sign-ups would suffer without a standout hit, Netflix added more new subscribers than expected in the last quarter. The company attributed this to a strong ? of programs, including popular ? like the Beckham documentary and Adam Sandler's Leo. Netflix also received 18 Oscar nominations, further highlighting its success. The news of the surge in sign-ups caused shares to ? by over 6% in after-hours ?. Overall, Netflix reported revenue of over $33.7 billion in 2023, a 6% increase from the previous year, with profits reaching $5.4 billion. In conclusion, Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing led to a ? in new sign-ups, resulting in the highest number of subscriptions for any quarter since 2020. The company is confident in its growth path and plans to raise prices. Despite the crackdown, many new members opted for the cheapest plan, which includes advertisements. Netflix is also ? other strategies, such as live events, to attract new ?. The unexpected growth in subscribers and the strong lineup of ? contributed to Netflix's success, as evidenced by its Oscar nominations.

1. What is your opinion on Netflix's crackdown on password-sharing?
2. How would you feel if you had to start paying for your own Netflix account instead of sharing one with friends or family?
3. Do you think the addition of advertisements to the cheapest plan will deter people from subscribing? Why or why not?
4. How do you think the inclusion of live events, like WWE Raw, will attract new audiences to Netflix?
5. What is your favorite program on Netflix? Why do you enjoy watching it?
6. Do you think other streaming companies, like Amazon, will be successful in expanding their offerings? Why or why not?
7. How important do you think it is for Netflix to have a standout hit program to attract new subscribers? Why?
8. Why do you think Netflix charges lower prices for its standard plan with advertisements compared to the ad-free version?
9. How do you think the surge in sign-ups and revenue will impact Netflix's future growth and success?
10. Do you believe that Netflix's success in receiving 18 Oscar nominations will lead to more subscribers? Why or why not?
11. How do you feel about Netflix's plans to raise prices? Do you think it is fair? Why or why not?
12. What strategies do you think Netflix should explore in order to continue attracting viewers and increasing revenue?
13. How would you feel if Netflix started showing commercials during the programs you watch? Would it make you less likely to subscribe? Why or why not?
14. Do you think Netflix's success in the last quarter is sustainable in the long term? Why or why not?
15. What impact do you think the surge in sign-ups and profits will have on the future of the streaming industry?

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