Netflix starts testing ads between shows; here’s how you can opt out

Netflix has started testing skippable ads among select subscribers. There’s a way to opt out of these test ads for all users.

Netflix hasn’t announced if it will officially introduce ads between shows. (Shutterstock)

Netflix could soon start interrupting your binge watching with ads. The company confirmed that it has started testing ads with no word on whether it will implement it officially in the future.

A frustrated Netflix user posted on Reddit that an unskippable ad was shown during 'Better Call Saul'. If you're also one of the unlucky ones having to see ads on Netflix, there's a way to opt out of this. Netflix is testing among only select subscribers but all users can go ahead and opt out of seeing ads.

How to opt out of Netflix test ads

You will first need to open Netflix in a browser from a desktop, tablet or smartphone.

Tap on your profile icon (desktop) or the hamburger icon (mobile) and select 'Account'.

Scroll down and choose 'Test participation' under the Settings menu.

There will be an option to toggle on/off for any tests conducted by Netflix.

Toggling it off will prevent any ads from showing up on Netflix.

This feature is however applicable only for the testing stage. If and when Netflix rolls out ads for its video streaming platform, this feature will not work. It isn't known though if Netflix will introduce any option to opt of ads or skip them. In a statement to Cord Cutters, Netflix said that the ads being shown right now can be skipped by users. However the Reddit post said that the ad couldn't be skipped.

As expected, Netflix's latest stunt has received much backlash from users online. People started tweeting their frustration of seeing ads on a service they have to pay for.

 

Netflix adding ads defeat the whole point of paid subscription.

— JR - Anime & Comics (@Jrnotjnr) August 18, 2018

 

I hope it's not true that @netflix is introducing ads into its programming. I literally pay money to Netflix so that I don't have to see ads. I'd rather stop watching Netflix than have them run ads. Swear to god the first one I see I'm cancelling.

— InformationAnemone (@Info_Anemone) August 17, 2018

 

Dear @netflix. I hope you see the hate your new „ads between episodes" bullshit gets. Take note. And turn off those self playing trailers while your at it. Nobody likes those.

Sincerely

A fan and long time customer

— Steve Ferreira (@stevefe84) August 18, 2018

Netflix offers one month of free trial after which it charges ₹500, 600 and 850 per month.