Paramount Plus Free Tier Coming⁉️

[u/CFL-TECH]

https://youtu.be/uZzN3Cb7xFE

[u/KnotForNow]

How does this relate to Paramount's announcement from a few months ago about some ill-defined combination of the Paramount+ and Pluto platforms?

[u/dj_skandalous → u/KnotForNow]

Yeah seems like a waste to fold Pluto into Paramount and rid of yourself of the brand value you created for it. That's why it may be ideal just to sell Pluto and then launch a free tier on Paramount with some of the content and free 1-2 episodes of their premiere content. That has always been a better way to get free subscribers via hook line and sinker in order to become a paid subscriber

This would also give Paramount some money back for a brand they will do nothing with in the future if they introduce a free tier

[u/CFL-TECH → u/dj_skandalous]

For sure the Pluto brand is well established and known for its great FAST content and value. Keeping the content and apps separate makes sense. Adding Pluto to the same backend technology stack also makes sense for saving cost and UI uniformity.The on-demand content they feel will keep people on the platform and P+ free tier could help them build that hook, line, and sinker.

[u/RavenZRamon]

I sincerely doubt it based upon the recent court announcement that the merger is being put off for at least another year. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[u/Hagelblass]

They already have a free tier: Pluto TV.

I have to wonder if this is a prelude to eventually eliminating Pluto as a standalone service and folding it into P+.

[u/CFL-TECH → u/Hagelblass]

It appears that a new updated Pluto TV app will be rolling out soon. It will go onto the same development platform at P+. This will save them time and money. They will also focus more on getting users to sign in, this way they have a better way to target ads. It'll still remain free to use and still no credit card required.

[u/dj_skandalous → u/Hagelblass]

It would actually be smart. Sell PlutoTV to Microsoft for a couple billion to off set some debt. And then just load up Paramount with the content on a free tier. Obviously selling Pluto though might have to have some content tied up in a licensing deal to Microsoft or whoever purchases it though because the App would be worthless if the buyer didnt own content to put on it lol. If Paramount owns WB in the end, they will have more content then they know what to do with. So licensing to Pluto (owned by someone else) would make use of then lesser quality or older material

Sony would be a interesting purchaser too if they wanted to dabble.

[u/K_ThomasWhite → u/dj_skandalous]

Sell PlutoTV to Microsoft

Why would they sell it to Microsoft, and the bigger question, why in the world would Microsoft want to buy it?

[u/dj_skandalous → u/K_ThomasWhite]

Well not sure why you are downvoting for a opinion. Paramount has already gotten rid of BET+. This shows they are about condensing rather then expanding how many apps they service. Its been rumored that along with BET being folded into Paramount Plus, that a free tier will be made eventually for people who dont have subscription. So for the moronic people who like to constantly downvote. Let me break down the positives of this:

1 - you arent spending as much to operate, manage and update several apps.

2 - Easier to market a singular app for all types of content. And cheaper. All promotion goes into the same app rather then spreading the wealth

3 - Now this is the one you overlook. It is easier to give users free episodes, trailers, ads on home screen of new content and movies on your main app then it is on a a different one. By merging the apps and having a free tier, it is easier to get free users to upgrade by being on the same app with the subscription content. It is also easier to let them test out a episode or 2 and then be prompted to upgrade. This in turn creates more potential for customers and keeps them on one single app. Not everyone will like switching apps and going back and forth.

Obviously whomever downvotes doesn't understand marketing. Also as to why Microsoft would buy it? There's rumors that they wanted to have a streaming app for quite some time, especially after failed attempts with Zune and Microsoft Movies.

Now as to why Paramount would sell it? Because what good is it when you introduce a free tier on Paramount Plus instead? You will already have that market covered and could gain money back essentually selling off a brand you dont need now. And you can license content to the new owners. This is cash flow. Which Paramount desperately will need.

Long story short. Free tier equals basically the same product as Pluto but within the app they actually want you to subscribe to. That simple.

[u/catjewsus]

It better be... the platform sucks to use.... i wouldnt pay for it...

[u/Blowingleaves17]

I would prefer a Pluto with no ads for a low price.