HBO Max launches a cheaper and ad-supported subscription level

HBO Max launches a cheaper and ad-supported subscription level

HBO Max launched a cheaper, ad-supported subscription tier to make its library of content more accessible to more users. For $1080 a month, subscribers will get access to the same range of original programming they subscribed to at the streamer's existing $4 a month tier, plus his catalog of content from brands like Warner Bros., DC., Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. The only content you don't get is the release of new Warner movies that day, like The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, for example. These will be free later when they arrive at the HBO library. Today's best HBO Max deals The downside, of course, is that subscribers to this more accessible package will be subject to advertising and other restrictive conditions, though HBO bosses are committed to providing "a promotional experience very elegant and tasteful that respects a lot of storytelling for users who choose it." With the exception of adding ads, those who signed up for this cheaper tier will get many of the same benefits as those who subscribed to the Streamer's most expensive plan, including its customization options, parental controls, and kid-friendly experience, but you won't be able to download content for offline viewing. Video quality will also be limited to XNUMXp. However, these ads will be limited to a maximum of XNUMX minutes of promotional time per hour, which the streamer claims to be the lowest on the market. They're also not going to play throughout the HBO lineup, so the biting tension of shows like The Sopranos won't be interrupted by an overly suave McDonald's voice-over. "Ads on HBO Max are designed to complement and enhance the overall viewing experience and will be carefully presented across the HBO Max content catalog in a way that upholds the integrity of the programming," the company said, adding that "With Over time, subscribers can expect to see more personalization in the ads they watch with more innovation in future formats.HBO Max also offers new and old subscribers the option to prepay and save more than fifteen percent by signing up for any of the streamer levels. , with annual plans now available that cost €XNUMX, respectively, €XNUMX and €XNUMX.

And the competition?

HBO is clearly committed to the improved accessibility of its new cheaper level to attract subscribers ready to support certain commercials to access its incredible list of original and exclusive content. That said, it's not a move we've seen the streamer's biggest opponents take thus far. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus are still ad-free for now, and we don't expect that to change. However, companies like Hulu and Peacock have levels of advertising, and since HBO has embarked on a "very fancy promotional experience," it's going to be interesting to see if this approach makes a difference in how subscribers perceive it.