AMC Networks has joined the ranks of ad-supported streaming.
The company said Thursday that it has begun rolling out an ad-supported version of its AMC+ service for broadband users, and will charge $4.99 per month for it, as opposed to the $8.99 per month it seeks for an ad-free tier. The new ad-supported service runs fewer than five minutes of commercials per hour and contains the same programming selections as its ad-free counterpart.
Subscribers who opt for the new ad-free choice can save 20% over monthly rates by purchasing an annual subscription for $83.88. Executives at AMC Networks unveiled their ad-supported plans in April.
“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, in a statement. “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.”
As part of the AMC+ bundle, ad-supported subscribers will also have full access to streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited as well as the AMC, BBC America, IFC and Sundance TV linear networks.
The company said the new ad-supported version of AMC+ has “dozens of advertisers” signed on. The new advertising-dependent option will offer include interactive ad units, squeeze-back screens during “Next On” promos, shoppable ads, overlays, ad-break trivia, inserted integrations, episodic takeovers and more.
