Canva, the popular design platform, has recently announced a significant price increase for some of its customers. This sudden change has resulted in uproar among users, especially those who were on older pricing plans. The cost of a five-person plan for Canva Teams has skyrocketed from $119.99 per year to $500 per year in the United States, and from a flat $39.99 AUS per month to $13.50 AUS per user for customers in Australia.
Canva is attributing this price hike, in part, to its growing suite of generative AI tools, including Magic Studio. According to a spokesperson from Canva, the adjustments are necessary to reflect the expanded product experience that the company now offers. They also mentioned that some customers had been benefiting from lower prices that were no longer available to new customers.
Unsurprisingly, Canva’s price increase has not been well-received by its user base. Many customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the sudden change, particularly the way in which it was communicated. Instead of making a public announcement, Canva informed users of the price adjustments through customer emails. This lack of transparency has further fueled the backlash against the company.
The new pricing structure marks a significant departure from Canva’s original positioning as an affordable alternative to design software giants like Adobe. This move may be indicative of the company’s rapid growth and expansion. Recently, Canva has been making significant acquisitions, including the purchase of U.K.-based firm Serif and the generative AI image company Leonardo. These acquisitions, coupled with the price increase, suggest that Canva is evolving beyond its humble beginnings.
Canva’s decision to raise prices has sparked controversy and frustration among its user base. The shift in pricing, coupled with the company’s rapid expansion and acquisition strategy, signifies a new chapter in Canva’s evolution. The future implications of these changes remain to be seen, but one thing is certain – Canva is no longer the same platform it once was.