Paramount+ Launches $4.99 Ad-Supported Plan

Paramount+ Introduces Lower-Cost, Ad-Supported Plan

For viewers seeking a more affordable option, Paramount+ is set to launch its Essential Plan, priced at $4.99 monthly. This new tier will provide access to a wide range of content without the $9.99 price tag of the ad-free plan.

Transition from CBS All Access

The introduction of the Essential Plan will effectively replace the existing CBS All Access plan that included advertisements and access to local CBS stations. Current subscribers to the $5.99 CBS All Access plan can continue their subscriptions. However, this plan will no longer be available to new users starting Monday.

What the Essential Plan Offers

Subscribers to the Essential Plan will gain access to Marquee Sports, featuring games from the NFL, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League. They will also have access to breaking news via CBSN, and the full catalog of Paramount’s on-demand shows and movies.

Content from ViacomCBS-owned channels, including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel, will be included. It’s important to note that live local CBS station programming will no longer be part of this offering.

Comparing Plans

The existing Premium Plan, costing $9.99 per month, remains ad-free and supports 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision. Furthermore, mobile downloads are exclusively available to Premium Plan subscribers, mirroring features found in other streaming platforms.

Shared Features

Both the Essential Plan and the Premium Plan provide access to parental controls and allow for up to six individual user profiles. Currently, the service lacks a dedicated watch list feature, though its implementation is anticipated given its prevalence among competitors.

Competitive Pricing

In comparison, Netflix’s basic plan is priced at $8.99 per month, but restricts viewing to a single screen. This limitation can hinder account sharing. Netflix’s standard tier costs $13.99, making it comparatively more expensive than Paramount+.

HBO Max Follows Suit

This week, HBO Max also announced a lower-cost, ad-supported subscription tier, priced at $9.99 monthly. The recent merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery may significantly impact HBO Max, potentially leading to changes in content libraries or even a combined streaming application.

Consumer Choice and Content Strategy

Ultimately, consumer decisions regarding streaming services will be based on content, pricing, and user experience. Paramount+ intends to announce a selection of prominent titles coinciding with the launch of the new plan, aiming to attract new subscribers.

The lower-cost option may also appeal to viewers prioritizing affordability and seeking supplementary content to their existing streaming subscriptions, particularly programs not available on platforms like Netflix.

Subscriber Growth

ViacomCBS reported adding 6 million global streaming subscribers across Paramount+, Showtime OTT, and BET+ in the first quarter, bringing the total to 36 million global users. The majority of these subscribers are on the Paramount+ platform.

Summer Content Lineup

Paramount+ is planning to attract new customers with exclusive content debuting this summer. This includes popular series like “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” alongside critically acclaimed films such as “Rocketman,” “The Soloist,” and “Little Women.”

Sports enthusiasts will have access to hundreds of live soccer matches, including those from the Concacaf Nations League Finals, Concacaf Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, and Italy’s Serie A Season.

Expanded Content Library and Promotion

By the end of summer 2021, Paramount+ will expand its streaming library by over 2,500 titles, available to subscribers on both the Essential Plan and the Premium Plan. A promotional one-month trial is being offered to those who register between June 10th at 10 AM PST and June 30th at 11:59 PM PST, using the promo code “MOVIES.”