VIP users have to pay extra to watch dramas, and the video website was criticized for "being ugly"

According to media reports, some users recently discovered that a video website has launched a VIP advance on-demand service for the hit drama "Joy of Life". VIP users can watch 6 episodes in advance and then pay 50 yuan to watch another 6 episodes. This is equivalent to setting up a paid item on top of the VIP membership, guiding users to pay to watch videos.

The People's Daily described the situation as "ugly". The report pointed out that the video website was creating anxiety and inducing users to spend money. It was not clear whether there was such an agreement in the VIP purchase agreement before. If not, the extra charge was an infringement of consumers' rights.

From becoming a member to avoid ads, to paying to watch the ending, to paying to pre-watch, some video websites have endless charging routines, which are annoying. Transactions are voluntary choices between supply and demand parties. Changing the charging items at any time violates the spirit of the contract. Good content will always have a market, but the rules must not be forgotten. Eroding the trust of the audience will inevitably backfire.

Previously, VIP users watching ads also raised questions. On a certain video website, even after becoming a VIP user, users can still see ads when watching videos. Although the ads can be turned off, it still makes paying users feel "uncomfortable".

Industry insiders said that video websites have gone through a "development stage" of wild growth, and the paid model has gradually been accepted by users. However, some websites ignore the rights of users and play tricks on consumers. VIP users watching ads is a typical example. Some users pay for VIP ad-free services, but they can still see ads after paying, which in itself infringes on the rights of consumers.