Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly! This time, we review Prime’s plans for ad-free streaming options, X’s new features for Premium members, Netflix’s last red envelope send, and Meta’s VR subscription bundle. 

Amazon to roll out ads on Prime Video in 2024

Prime Video will join streaming rivals in rolling out ads and introducing a higher-priced, ad-free tier. Ads will be introduced in the U.S., the UK, Germany, and Canada in early 2024, followed by France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia. Amazon's ad-free tier will cost another $2.99 per month in the U.S., where a Prime subscription currently costs $14.99 per month. Read more on Reuters.

X will make audio and video calls a premium subscriber-only feature

Audio and video calls are coming to the platform as part of its transition into an “everything app.” The feature–only available to Premium members–will allow users to receive audio and video calls from other Verified users, people they follow, or people in their address book, depending on their selection. Learn more on TechCrunch.

Netflix shutters its DVD rental business

Netflix will send out its last red envelope today, marking an end to 25 years of mailing DVDs to members. Introduced in 1998 when Netflix first launched, the DVD service promised an easier rental experience than driving to the nearest Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Although receiving a DVD in the mail now may sound outdated, some longtime customers continued to find value in the physical option. Read more on CNN.

Meta’s 512GB Quest 3 now comes with 6 months of the Quest+ subscription

Meta’s VR subscription service, Quest+ ($7.99/month), is now being bundled with the company’s Quest 3 mixed-reality headset. The subscription will now be included as a free, six-month trial with the 512GB model ($650) of the Quest 3 headset. In addition, subscribers will gain access to the titles Onward and Little Cities in October. Learn more in TechCrunch. 

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📅 Get ready for the holidays: What to know about subscription gifting

Tis the season for subscriptions! Our latest survey shows that 53% of gift givers and 51% of recipients are considering subscriptions as presents this year. Learn what gift subscriptions consumers want, how much they are willing to spend, and how to turn one-time gift recipients into long-term consumers after a gift subscription expires. Get the report.

From the Recurly blog

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