Recent rumors have indicated that Walmart has been exploring the possibility of creating its own streaming service in order to better compete with Amazon Prime. However, it appears that the retailer was already looking to form a partnership with a pre-existing streaming platform instead.
That’s because, starting in September, Walmart Plus will come with free access to Paramount Plus. Members of Walmart’s Premium Membership Program will receive a Paramount Plus Essential membership at no additional cost. Paramount Plus Essential tier usually costs $4.99 and is ad-supported. It also does not include access to live broadcasts of local CBS stations.
Paramount Plus offers a large library of movies and TV shows. Highlights include original series such as Yellowstone spin-off 1883, Halo, and Star Trek: Strange New World. There’s also classic content like every season of the original Twilight Zone series. The service is not slow when it comes to movies either with the latest songs like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Lost City currently available to stream.
“Walmart customers connect with beloved Paramount brands, content, and personalities every day through a range of consumer products available throughout Walmart stores,” Jeff Schultz, chief strategy officer and business development officer for Paramount Streaming, said via a press release. “Now, coupling Walmart’s broad nationwide reach with Paramount Plus’ extensive and popular content offering something for everyone is a unique opportunity to expand our partnership.”
Walmart Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Craciolo commented on the new partnership: “With the addition of Paramount Plus, we’re demonstrating our unique ability to help members save more and live better by also offering entertainment at lower cost.”
Walmart’s partnership with Paramount Plus certainly appears to be a move designed to keep Walmart Plus competitive with rival subscription service Amazon Prime. Amazon already offers subscribers access to its Prime Video platform, and so far Walmart lacks its own streaming feature. However, retailer memberships will soon provide subscribers access to thousands of hours of high-quality content.
Walmart Plus costs $12.95 per month, or $98 per year, and gives members a full suite of perks including free shipping on thousands of products, gas discounts at participating stores and access to exclusive Walmart deals. The service also includes six months of free access to Spotify Premium, and in a few weeks it will include Paramount Plus.
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