Netflix surpasses 300 million subscribers worldwide, thanks to 19 million additional subscriptions during the holidays

Impressive. Netflix once again exceeded expectations with nearly 19 million new subscriptions gained during the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing its total to 301.6 million in all, solidifying its position as a pioneer and leader in the streaming industry.

The Californian group has recorded strong growth in subscribers since 2023 thanks to the tightening of its policy on sharing passwords between users and the strengthening of its live programming, particularly in sport. Its quarterly turnover ($10.2 billion, +16% year-on-year) and net profit ($1.9 billion) also came in well above market forecasts. Its title gained more than 11% during electronic trading after the close of the New York Stock Exchange.

“Netflix has a lot to brag about after a fourth quarter marked by (…) sports events and partnerships,” said Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester, ahead of the results. The company signed a ten-year agreement with the American professional wrestling league WWE in January 2024, for $5 billion, and in November it broadcast live a boxing match between YouTuber and apprentice boxer Jake Paul and the ring legend Mike Tyson.

Price increase

“Despite the technical issues, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight was the most-watched sporting event streamed. And the (professional American football league) NFL Christmas games broadcast by Netflix were watched by more than 24 million viewers,” detailed the analyst. He also recalled that the company had announced an exclusive contract with the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month.

« Squid Game », « Stranger Things » ou « Wednesday »

Netflix launched a cheaper plan with advertising at the end of 2022, and hopes to start generating significant revenue from it this year. To convince advertisers and the public, the company is betting in particular on live broadcasts, sports or not, which are ever more numerous. “Streaming platforms are all looking for advertising revenue to accelerate the growth of their turnover,” underlined Mike Proulx. “It’s no secret that live programming with massive audiences incentivizes big brands to spend. In 2025, there will be more choices in terms of advertising formats, partnerships and technical options for targeting Netflix users,” he added.

Apart from live, Netflix will be able to count this quarter on season 2 of the South Korean phenomenon series “Squid Game” (released on December 26) or even season 8 of the reality TV show Love Is Blind, scheduled for Valentine’s Day. Later this year, viewers are also awaiting the final seasons of “Stranger Things,” as well as the second season of “Wednesday.”