Paramount+ is one of the latest streaming services to consider unlocking access to select content via a free tier. The removal of the subscription charge is being seen as a way to help increase users and engagement.
What You Need to Know
- Paramount+ is preparing a free tier that would let non‑subscribers watch limited movies and shows with a free account.
- The free tier could mirror the service’s existing ‘unlocked Showtime’ approach offered to Essential subscribers.
- Paramount+ may also open short‑form vertical videos and microdramas to everyone, potentially even without registration.
Earlier this month, a report came through suggesting Disney+ was toying with the idea of a free tier, with the report indicating Disney was looking at ways to drive up engagement.
This week, Business Insider reported that Paramount+ is also currently looking at unlocking content as a means to attract new users.
According to the report, Paramount+ is considering allowing non-subscribers to stream select movies and shows without paying for a subscription.
While free to stream, a free account would still be required to access these titles.
Unlike Disney+, it appears that Paramount+’s plans are a lot more firmer, with the report suggesting the free tier could begin rolling out as soon as this quarter.
As the rollout is expected to begin with the Paramount+ mobile app, the free tier will only initially be available to mobile users.
Paramount+ Already Offers Some Free Content
In reality, this may just be an extension of an existing Paramount+ feature. Paramount+ already allows Essential subscribers to watch a selection of Showtime Originals without upgrading to the more expensive plan.
Normally, Showtime Originals are only available to those paying for the Paramount+ Premium plan.
In fact, these Showtime Originals are available to watch for free by anyone, including those who have never had an account before.
As an example, you can stream the pilot episode of Billions right now, with or without a Paramount+ subscription.
The main difference here is that free users can only stream the first episode without subscribing. In contrast, Essential subscribers can currently watch season 1-7 of Billions without upgrading.
You can see the full selection of episodes and videos currently available to watch for free, with or without a Paramount+ account.
Assuming the free tier rolls out as described, it seems highly likely that it will just be an extension of this existing feature.
In other words, those without a paid subscription can expect access to select episodes (often the pilot) of various Originals.
By only providing access to select episodes, Paramount+ can use the feature as a way to try and lure users to sign up for a subscription.
This is exactly what Paramount+ currently attempts with its unlocked Showtime episodes, with them acting as a pathway for ad-supported subscribers to upgrade to an ad-free subscription to continue watching the series, or stream other Showtime content.
The free tier will likely work the same way, acting as a path for non-paying subscribers to convert to paid subscribers to continue watching the series they’ve already partially streamed for free.
While a free account will likely be needed for these full episodes, the report suggests that the service’s short-form vertical video feed could become available to stream completely for free – not even requiring the viewer to create a free account.
The report also points to Paramount+ dipping its toes into the microdrama market. Once available, the suggestion is these vertical series could also potentially become available to stream with or without a subscription.
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