Pluto TV raises new barrier around its content
Pluto TV raises new barrier around its content
The free streamer has apprently created a new boundary around some of its free content.
It appears that Pluto TV is trying to make itself more like a paid streaming service in one key way. That’s according to reporting from Cord Cutter News, which has a new story on Pluto’s decision to put some of its content behind a wall that viewers cannot climb unless they have created an account.
Key Details:
- Not all of it: Pluto TV is requiring viewers to create an account to access some content.
- Phased rollout?: Customers report being affected by the change on some devices more than others.
- Still free: There’s no cost to create a Pluto account.
Some viewers on the Pluto TV website, as well as its connected TV apps are getting a pop-up message when they first access the streamer. This message says that they can either Unlock Free TV, or Use Partial Access to watch the streamer. To unlock all of the Pluto library, the user must create an account with the service, or they can watch a limited selection of the on-demand content and free streaming channels on the service and stay account-free.
A Paramount spokesperson confirmed that some content was being held behind an account wall for users, but declined to share more details about which channels and on-demand titles specifically were being shifted to account-only customers.
“Pluto TV is still 100% free and registration just unlocks an additional range of entertainment you can enjoy,” the spokesperson said. “Registration helps Pluto TV tailor your experience, so you can jump right into the shows and channels you love. Get customized recommendations, save your favorites, and discover more of what’s trending — all for free.”
CCN reports that restrictions will vary by region as to what content viewers can still access with no account, and that the limitation is affecting Roku devices more frequently, suggesting the change is a phased rollout.
A barrier-free entry to Pluto TV was a hallmark of the streamer once, as it usually is for all free streaming services that rely on ads for revenue. Now, however, the streamer is encouraging viewers to make a deeper commitment to it by making an account to stream with.
To be sure, there are benefits to having a Pluto TV account as promised by Paramount. The streamer will remember your viewing history, for example, and you can also adjust some settings with Pluto TV with an account. And, it’s still always free to create an account with Pluto TV; you’ll never be asked for a credit card during the sign-up process.
Still, there are undoubtedly viewers who want to use the streamer without having to worry about an unending stream of marketing emails in their inbox after creating a Pluto TV account. Are you a Pluto user who has been prompted to create an account? Let us know in the comments below
