All articles tagged with #ad supported
Roku has added six free live channels to The Roku Channel on Roku TVs and players, expanding its lineup of over 350 ad-supported, no-subscription options. Accessible via the Live TV section with no extra setup beyond device activation, the new channels—The Virginian, Raza Canal, OverTime, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, TV Amor, and My Wife & Kids—enhance free streaming without a subscription.
Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox, is gaining market share and profitability by attracting younger audiences and offering a vast library of content, including original shows and sports. Its strategy of targeting millennials and Gen Z with relevant content and a traditional linear guide format has helped it surpass some major competitors in viewership, making it a significant player in the streaming industry.
Microsoft plans to introduce a free, ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to stream certain games with ads, including some they own and free play titles, as part of its effort to expand access and revenue. The service will feature pre-roll ads and may limit streaming durations, complementing existing subscription options.
Microsoft is developing an ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, aiming to offer a potentially lower-cost or free option for users, though details on release and implementation are not specified.
Microsoft is preparing to launch a free, ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming tier that will allow users to play select titles without a subscription, featuring short ads and session limits, initially tested internally and expected to roll out publicly soon.
Microsoft is preparing to launch a free, ad-supported version of Xbox Cloud Gaming that will allow users to stream games without a subscription, featuring pre-roll ads and limited gameplay sessions, as part of a broader effort to expand access and test new monetization strategies.
Microsoft is preparing to launch an ad-supported free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to stream select games for free with ads, including some owned titles and classics, initially tested internally and soon available in a public beta.
Amazon is shutting down its free ad-supported streaming service Freevee in September, merging its content into Prime Video, which has led to user frustrations due to a less accessible interface and content being harder to find, although free live channels are now more prominent. The move reflects Amazon's focus on profitability amid stiff competition in the free streaming market.
Amazon is phasing out its free streaming service Freevee, integrating its content into Prime Video, which will still be accessible to non-Prime members as 'Watch for Free' content. This move aims to simplify the viewing experience but raises concerns about the future availability of free content. The transition will occur over the next few weeks in regions including the U.S., UK, Germany, and Austria. This shift reflects a broader trend in the streaming industry towards ad-supported models, as seen with Netflix's recent changes.
Amazon is shutting down its free ad-supported streaming service, Freevee, and integrating its content into Prime Video. Freevee's programming, including shows like 'Jury Duty' and 'Judy Justice,' will remain available for free to non-Prime members on Prime Video. This move aims to simplify the viewing experience and follows the introduction of an ad tier on Prime Video, which may have rendered Freevee redundant.
Viewers are increasingly spending more time watching free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services like Tubi, with Tubi's viewership spiking to 1.7 percent of TV time in February 2024. The appeal seems to lie in the background noise it provides while people work or scroll through social media, offering low-stakes viewing without the pressure of keeping up with a specific storyline, as highlighted by the rise of Tubi over other traditional streaming services.
Amazon Prime Video's free tier has lost Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound capabilities, with the company confirming that this is a deliberate move to push users towards the ad-free paid option. Free users will now experience HDR10 for video and Dolby Digital 5.1 for audio, following the recent introduction of ad breaks in the US. This change may lead to dissatisfaction among free users and potentially drive them to upgrade to the paid tier.
The CW has quietly launched a free, ad-supported live streaming service with 12 channels, available on its website and Roku app, with plans to expand the channel lineup. This move reflects the trend of companies entering the free, ad-supported streaming market to cater to consumers seeking alternatives to subscription services and cable. The launch aligns with The CW's broader transformation under new parent Nexstar, aiming to appeal to a wider audience beyond its traditional teen dramas and superhero shows.
Netflix is phasing out its basic ad-free plan, which costs $11.99 USD, in favor of ad-supported streaming or higher-priced ad-free plans. The new price points will be $6.99 for the ad-supported plan, $15.49 for the standard HD plan, and $22.99 for the premium 4K plan. The change will start in markets with ad-supported streaming, with UK and Canada losing access first, and US customers being affected later. Netflix aims to tap into new revenue and profit pools by scaling its ads business and retiring the Basic plan in some ad-supported countries.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to introduce an ad-supported tier for Xbox Game Pass, allowing users in regions like Africa, India, and Southeast Asia to watch brief ads in exchange for two hours of game streaming. It is unclear whether this ad-supported experience will be available for all games or just select titles. Microsoft already offers free cloud streaming for Fortnite with a Microsoft account.