Plex has become the world’s largest free advertising-supported streaming television (FAST) and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) service, rivaled perhaps, only by YouTube. The platform announced it now cumulatively offers more than 1,100 live channels for free.
Plex offers 1,112 live-streaming channels for free
After including the NFL Channel in the United States, Plex has become the world’s largest ad-supported streaming service, announced Keith Valory, CEO of Plex,
“Our aim for Live TV on Plex is to have something for ALL of our users’ television tastes all over the world. While this ever-growing library of free-to-stream entertainment drives Plex toward this goal of offering any entertainment a consumer may want, we are also diligently focused on providing advertisers with unparalleled reach and the transparency that should come with it.”
.@plex says it now offers more than 1,000 free streaming TV channels across its global footprint, with over 800 available in the United States alone. https://t.co/jZRmBpbTM6
— TheDesk.net (@TheDeskDotNet) April 17, 2024
Not all of the 1,100+ channels are available in the United States. The Plex app currently offers 847 free streaming channels in the USA.
The Plex app works on most hardware, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and a large number of smart devices attached to a display.
Plex claims it now has the largest global selection of free ad-supported TV channels. Its free service is currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and Germany.
Needless to say, not all of the 1,100+ channels are available in all of the regions where Plex is available. Still, the sheer number of streaming channels on the platform puts it ahead of its competitors, especially on a global scale.
Stream for free with ads, or pay for an ad-free experience?
No doubt streaming services are trying to wow subscribers. However, there’s an ever-growing list of platforms. Moreover, desired or popular content is now spread out across several platforms. This forces subscribers to either pay a hefty subscription price every month or pick and choose services.
This is where Plex shines with its vast content library from some of the biggest content producers. Plex has Fox, NBC, Scripps, Hallmark, AMC, A+E, BBC, Euronews, Lionsgate, Banijay, Fremantle, and PBS. The platform reportedly welcomed CBC News (Canada), BBC News, MLB Channel, CBS Sports HQ, Golazo Network, CBS News, and 15 CBS channels in the U.S.
With over 1000 channels of free streaming content, Plex is angling to be the choice of video connoisseurs and advertisers in the crowded FAST/AVOD space. https://t.co/kdinQipMVX pic.twitter.com/f4rTjO8iZK
— Forbes Entertainment (@ForbesEnt) April 17, 2024
Currently, Plex offers a wide variety of live TV channels and even movies. It is, however, important to note that Plex is an ad-supported platform. Todd Hay, VP of Revenue & Engagement at Plex, has stated,
“Our platform optimizes each ad break for impactful reach for advertisers and for the best possible user experience – from real-time loudness leveling of creatives to de-duping and competitive separation within ad breaks. We aim to put advertisers’ messages in front of the right viewers in the best possible light. This makes it a win for all, as it should be.”
What this essentially means is that Plex will insert ads in between the content users stream. Its competition. on the other hand, offers ad-free subscriptions.