HBO Max debuted an ad-supported tier today. This subscription tier will cost $9.99 per month with ads. The ad-free experience continues to be available for $14.99 per month. The streamer says this new option will make the service “even more accessible.”
Furthermore, new and returning subscribers can pre-pay and save more than 15%. An pre-paid ad-support tier is $99.99/year and $149.99/year sans ads.
“Advertising is a time-tested way to reduce the cost of great entertainment and reach a wider audience. We’ve worked hard to create an elegant, tasteful ad experience that is respectful of great storytelling for those users who choose it, and which we’re confident will deliver for our advertising partners as well.”
EVP & General Manager, HBO Max, Andy Forssell
We love the HBO Max interface and ad-supported subscribers will have access to it. However, there are a few differences between the two tiers:
- The ad-supported tier will not include the ability to download content for offline viewing.
- Streaming video quality will be capped at 1080p.
- Warner Bros. same-day premiere films debuting in theaters and on HBO Max throughout 2021 are not included in the HBO Max ad-supported tier, but will become available on both tier options when the films debut via the HBO service in the months following their theatrical releases as part of HBO’s output deal with Warner Bros.
The Ad Experience
Expect a maximum of four minutes of commercials per hour. Furthermore, ads will not play during HBO programming. HBO Max tells us that the ads are designed to “complement and enhance the overall viewing experience.” The streamer says they want to maintain “the integrity of programming.”
“Today we launch an innovative, best in class streaming ad experience. Thank you to the incredible brands who leaned forward on the importance of a consumer-centric ad experience that engages fans. Together with our valued partners we will continue to explore the art of what’s possible in video advertising across all platforms.”
JP Colaco, head of advertising sales, WarnerMedia
