Netflix is moving full steam ahead with its ad-based subscription plan, teaming up with Microsoft to deliver the service

The streaming giant will embed commercials in a cheaper version of its on-demand offering, expected to launch later this year.

The move is a far cry from the Netflix of 15 years ago, with the company previously refusing to ever include ads on its platform.

But times have been tough for the oversaturated streaming sector.

Earlier this year, Netflix disclosed it lost 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 alone, leading Netflix to concede the time has come for a less expensive option.

Meanwhile, landing the contract is a big deal for Microsoft

Microsoft has long been engaged in a tense battle with Google, the major force when it comes to digital advertising.