JustWatch launches streaming service with lifetime ad-free sub option
The streaming guide company introduces JustWatch TV, offering free ad-supported films, rentals, and a limited-time lifetime subscription for users seeking an ad-free experience.
Key points
- JustWatch TV launched with a library of free ad-supported movies, rental options, and a subscription tier.
- A lifetime ad-free subscription is priced at $50, while the monthly plan costs $4.
- The service has 30 content partners and aims to provide deeper audience data for its advertising division.
JustWatch, a platform known for helping users locate movies across various streaming services, launched its own direct-to-consumer streaming service today. According to Ars Technica, the new platform, named JustWatch TV, offers a mix of free ad-supported content, rental titles, and a subscription model for users who prefer to avoid advertisements.
The service provides immediate access to several films without requiring account creation. Ars Technica noted that titles available for free viewing include Green Room, Locke, Sing Sing, Fiddlin’, Friday the 13th, and Hotel Mumbai. These films are reportedly not available for free on other major streaming platforms. Users who wish to remove ads can subscribe for $4 per month or purchase a lifetime subscription for $50.
Service structure and content library
A company spokesperson told Ars Technica that the $50 lifetime subscription is available for a limited time, though the specific duration of this offer was not confirmed. JustWatch Senior Vice President Quentin Carbonell stated in an interview with StreamTV Insider that the service currently holds a few hundred titles across its various tiers. The platform also allows users to rent additional movies beyond the free and subscription catalogs.
JustWatch TV has secured partnerships with 30 content providers globally, including major entities such as Paramount and New Regency. The company plans to expand this roster of partners in the future. While the current library may appear limited compared to larger competitors, the strategy mirrors that of Howdy, a Roku-owned service with a smaller catalog that reportedly reached one million subscribers within six months of its launch.
Strategic implications for JustWatch Group
The launch of JustWatch TV supports the broader JustWatch Group’s advertising business, which already utilizes first-party audience data from its streaming guide. The guide currently serves 50 million customers. According to the company’s announcement, the new streaming service will generate deeper audience insights for JustWatch Media, the group’s campaign planning and buying service. This data will help studios, distributors, and media agencies target film marketing campaigns across digital platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok.
David Croyé, founder and CEO of JustWatch Group, said in a statement that the company’s vision from the beginning was to create a single platform directing fans to all their entertainment options. The new service represents a shift from solely guiding users to other platforms to offering content directly, thereby capturing more user engagement and data within its own ecosystem.
What should you do?
Users interested in the new service can access free content immediately without creating an account. Those considering the lifetime subscription should verify the offer's availability, as it is limited in time. Content seekers should review the current library to determine if the available titles meet their viewing preferences before committing to a paid plan.
What to do and how to stay safe: JustWatch
- Review the free ad-supported catalog to assess content quality before subscribing.
- Verify if the lifetime subscription offer is still active before purchasing.
- Check if desired titles are available for free on other existing streaming services.
- Monitor announcements for updates on the service's content library and partner additions.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the JustWatch TV subscription cost?
The monthly ad-free subscription costs $4, while a lifetime ad-free subscription is available for $50 for a limited time.
Do I need an account to watch free movies on JustWatch TV?
No, users can play movies available for free on JustWatch TV without creating an account, according to Ars Technica.
What movies are available for free on the new service?
Free titles include Green Room, Locke, Sing Sing, Fiddlin’, Friday the 13th, and Hotel Mumbai, which are not free on other platforms.
