Netflix App Code Suggests No Offline Viewing on Ad-Supported Tier

A cheaper, ad-supported Netflix subscription plan is in the works, but it looks as though watching ads and limited access to content may not be the only compromises we’ll have to make in return for paying less every month.

As TechCrunch reports(Opens in a new window), a dive into the Netflix app code by tech writer Steve Moser(Opens in a new window) revealed the text “Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads.” It clearly suggests that subscribers to the ad-supported tier won’t be able to download videos for offline viewing.

When asked, Netflix didn’t comment specifically on whether downloads would be allowed, but a spokesperson did say, “We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower priced, ad-supported option and no decisions have been made. So this is all just speculation at this point.”

A further piece of text discovered by Moser hints at a setup experience for the ad-supported tier to personalize the ad experience: “We just need a few details to make sure you get the most relevant ads on Netflix. It’ll be really quick, we promise!”

A lack of offline downloads will come as no surprise to anyone who has used ad-supported plans on other streaming services such as HBO Max and Peacock. A combination of no internet connection and personalized ads really doesn’t work well without a lot of additional downloading to cache the ad content, too. And of course, offering downloads as a feature is one way to tempt consumers to pay more for a premium plan.