Search guide JustWatch launches its own streaming service with free and paid tiers

Popular streaming search guide JustWatch has launched its own video platform called JustWatch TV. The company first announced these plans last month. The new service provides TV shows and movies through three options: a free tier with ads, a paid ad-free subscription, and movie rentals. Content comes from 30 global partners.

Availability

Users can access JustWatch TV through the platform's current website and mobile apps. The service is live today in 12 markets, which include the US, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, and the UK. Content partners feature major names like Paramount, New Regency, Fremantle, Cineverse, and Bleecker Street, along with various local partners.

Pricing

The ad-free tier, called JustWatch TV Plus, costs $3.99 per month and gives users a 10 percent discount on movie rentals. The company also sells a lifetime subscription priced at $49.99. TechCrunch reports that JustWatch believes data collection value will offset future content price increases, keeping the lifetime option worthwhile.

Context

JustWatch started as a search engine that helped people find where movies and TV shows streamed across platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus. Moving into direct streaming changes the company from a simple directory into a platform that hosts content itself. This strategy places the company in direct competition with some of the very services it once only pointed users toward.