Netflix is facing a wave of online backlash linked to billionaire Elon Musk as interest in canceling the streaming service spikes across the internet.
According to Google Trends data, searches for “cancel Netflix” hit a score of 100 — the platform’s peak measure of relative search interest — in early October, suggesting a surge in curiosity or intent around ending subscriptions.
Google search data is often viewed as a proxy for consumer sentiment or behavioral shifts.
The uptick follows calls from Musk, who has more than 227 million followers on X, urging users to boycott Netflix over what he described as the inclusion of transgender themes in children’s programming.
The online backlash briefly weighed on Netflix’s stock, which fell 3.7% last week, closing at $1,153. Shares are up over 29% since the start of the year.
While there’s no clear evidence yet of widespread cancellations, the spike in search interest highlights how social media campaigns led by high-profile figures can influence consumer perceptions and market sentiment.
Netflix stops reporting subscriber numbers as business model evolves
Whether Musk’s boycott campaign will have any measurable impact on Netflix remains unclear, and will likely be difficult to assess directly.
That’s because Netflix no longer reports its quarterly subscriber totals, opting instead to emphasize traditional financial metrics such as revenue, earnings, and cash flow.
The shift, first announced in April 2024, took effect beginning with the first quarter of 2025. Executives said the change reflects the company’s maturing business and a broader range of revenue streams beyond core subscriptions.
Netflix has expanded its model to include ad-supported tiers and extra-member fees, part of its crackdown on password sharing, both of which now contribute significantly to growth.
In its July earnings report, Netflix posted second-quarter revenue of $11.08 billion, up 16% from a year earlier. Net income jumped by roughly $1 billion to $3.1 billion, while the operating margin expanded nearly 7 percentage points to 34.1%.
Executives nevertheless pointed to “healthy” member growth and strong advertising sales.
Despite the lack of official subscriber data, research firms publish estimates. According to Ampere Analysis, Netflix is projected to have around 310 million subscribers as of mid-2025, representing approximately 3% growth year-over-year.
By comparison, competitors Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ are estimated to have roughly 200 million and 127 million subscribers, respectively. HBO counts around 117 million subscribers across its platforms, while Paramount+ has approximately 77 million.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked