Trakt.tv has set stricter limits for free users and raised VIP subscription prices by 100%

A few days ago, Trakt.tv revealed a series of significant platform changes, introducing both expanded features and new restrictions. Free users now have access to collaborative list-making, a universal “Watch now” filter, and the ability to add up to 100 personal notes to items. However, they also face stricter limits, with only two personal lists allowed, each capped at 100 items, and a maximum of 100 items in watchlists and collections. Even more notably, the VIP subscription price has increased from $30 to $60 per year, representing a 100% increase.

These changes have sparked controversy, with many users feeling that the reduced limits and higher costs are pushing them toward VIP upgrades, calling the new restrictions "low-key predatory." Long-time users are frustrated, believing essential features have been compromised. Trakt’s leadership argues the changes are necessary for platform sustainability, as the company relies entirely on VIP memberships. According to them, the list limits were set based on data showing only a small percentage of users exceeded them. They have also introduced a self-service Data Export option and reassured users that the company does not sell their data to third parties.

Despite the backlash, Trakt claims to be considering future updates to address some complaints, including regional pricing and better support for popular free-user lists. In the meantime, users remain dissatisfied, pointing out that the company even closed the related thread on Trakt forums in an attempt to silence feedback, leading some to turn to other alternatives like Simkl, Letterboxd and Showly, which offer more generous free-tier limits for large media collections.