What To Do About Streaming Services & Retailers Sneaking in Ads and Making Money Off You
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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If it seems like you’re seeing more ads these days, you may be right.
Remember just a few years ago, when Netflix and several other streaming services let you enjoy your entertainment without annoying commercials? Well, flash-forward to now and it seems like you can’t watch anything without seeing some ads. Even Netflix has gone this route by offering a streaming package at a lower price if you agree to allow ads.
It’s not just streaming services either. Walmart and other retailers have also jumped on the ad bandwagon. Have you seen ads on Walmart’s in-store televisions or heard them over the speakers?
It’s no surprise why these companies are doing it — they want to make even more money.
Why Are Ads Back in Full Force?
According to the Wall Street Journal, retailers and other companies are working to build their own ad businesses.
“Advertising can be more profitable than the main line of business of the companies looking to bulk up their ad offerings,” the WSJ reported.
According to Marketing Drive, Walmart’s U.S. advertising business, called Walmart Connect, grew by about 26% during the first quarter of the company’s fiscal 2025.
Netflix and other streaming companies have priced their options so that price-conscious consumers are tempted to allow ads in exchange for a much lower monthly subscription. They can generally get more money per user from the ad-supported services.
What Are Your Ad-Blocking Options?
Let’s say you’re sick and tired of all the ads — what can you do? One option is obvious, but will cost you more.
You can opt for the ad-free tiers on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max or YouTube. So for instance, you can choose to pay $14.99 monthly and not have to watch ads, or pay just $9.99 and suffer through advertisement breaks while you are watching shows or movies.
You can also go the cost-savings route. Simply hit the mute button when the ads come on whatever streaming service you are watching. Or, when you’re out shopping, take along a pair of headphones to drown out the ads over the in-store speakers that play with music. You also can avoid the electronics section, where ads are sometimes playing on televisions, until you need to buy something specifically from that department.
One final tip — don’t forget to opt out of ads when you make purchases or sign agreements. It won’t stop all the ads from coming you way, but every little bit helps.
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