Netflix's Q2 results reveal why 2% viewing growth now underpins a $3 billion ad strategy, and how free tiers, AI and creator content are reshaping its business model.

Netflix's Q2 earnings will test whether cheaper creator content can generate the viewing hours and ad inventory needed to support its $3 billion advertising target.

Ahead of its July 16 second-quarter earnings report, analysts forecast financial and subscriber trends and weigh in on the outlook for the stock, which has been under pressure…