AMC Networks has released details and pricing for the advertising-supported tier of its AMC+ streaming service.
The new, cheaper tier of AMC+ — which the company first announced back in April — is launching Thursday, at a $4.99 per month price point (the ad-free tier costs $8.99 per month). It will initially be available on AMC’s own direct-to-consumer platforms and apps, and will expand to third-party platforms in the coming weeks.
The new tier of AMC+ will include AMC’s programming, as well as access to Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited. It will also notably include the linear channels for AMC, IFC, BBC America and Sundance TV.
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AMC says that it has “dozens” of advertisers already on board, and will launch with a suite of offerings competitive with other streaming services, like interactive units, trivia breaks, “squeeze-back” spots and episodic takeovers.
The launch of the tier comes as the company is debuting a new Walking Dead spinoff The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and with Fear the Walking Dead set to return in October. AMC cut a promotional deal with Max last month that will see AMC shows live on the Max streaming service for a limited window. The launch of the new ad tier coincides with that promotional window.
“This ad-supported version of AMC+ gives consumers more flexibility while bringing ads to the only piece of our distribution ecosystem that wasn’t already ad-supported,” said Kim Kelleher, chief commercial officer of AMC Networks. “Now, with our linear networks, strong and growing presence on CTV and FAST platforms and ad-supported AMC+, our advertising partners can fully leverage the reach and appeal of our high-quality shows and connect with viewers wherever and however they choose to watch. We are also able to offer marketers new and innovative ways to reach consumers, like interactive and shoppable ads, more flexibility in product integrations, whole genre takeovers and other tech-enabled enhancements that weren’t possible before.”
Advertising tiers have become the new standard across the streaming business, with Max, Netflix and Disney+ all rolling them out over the last year or so. Amazon is also launching an ad tier for Prime Video, and will make it the default option for Prime members.
