What Is Paramount+? Plans, Pricing, & How to Sign Up
Daniel Stock | 8 Min Read
Disclaimer: MNTN is a performance-focused Connected TV advertising platform. This article is for informational purposes only. To sign up for Paramount+ or learn more, please visit their official website.
Quick Takeaways
What consumers and marketers need to know about Paramount+.
-
Paramount+ combines extensive entertainment, live sports, and premium streaming.
-
Its subscriber base reached 79.6 million globally by March 2026.
-
Essential offers cheaper ad-supported access; Premium adds advanced features.
-
Advertisers gain targeted CTV placements, strong attention, and measurable performance.
-
MNTN helps brands activate Paramount+ inventory for accountable growth.
As Connected TV (CTV) continues to reshape viewing habits, platforms like Paramount+ are changing how brands reach engaged audiences. With 79.6 million global subscribers as of March 31, 2026, Paramount+ stands out as a premium streaming service that blends on-demand entertainment, live sports, and CTV advertising opportunities, giving marketers more ways to reach streaming audiences.
But this article isn’t just for advertisers. Whether you’re a viewer looking for binge-worthy content or an advertiser seeking to put your product on the big screen, this guide covers everything you need to know. From types of content available to plans and pricing. Let’s dive in.
What Is Paramount Plus?
Paramount+ is a subscription-based streaming service owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation, offering a vast library of more than 40,000 episodes and movies. It contains both ad-supported and ad-free viewing options, with Premium features such as supported 4K streaming and downloads, making it a versatile choice for both viewers and advertisers seeking premium CTV inventory.
Types of Content Available
Paramount+ offers a broad mix of content that appeals to a wide range of interests.
-
Originals Original Series
Exclusive shows deliver fresh stories across drama, crime, and science fiction.
Examples“Landman,” “Tulsa King,” and “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”
-
CBS CBS Programming
Hit network shows provide familiar, episodic entertainment.
Examples“Tracker,” “Survivor,” and “Matlock.”
-
Movies Paramount Pictures Movies
A deep film library brings blockbuster franchises to the platform.
Examples“Mission: Impossible,” “Top Gun,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.”
-
Live Live Sports
Coverage spans major leagues, tournaments, and combat-sports events.
IncludesNFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and UFC numbered events and Fight Nights.
-
Kids Kids Content
Family-friendly Nickelodeon programming keeps younger audiences entertained.
Examples“SpongeBob SquarePants,” “PAW Patrol,” and “The Loud House.”
-
Premium SHOWTIME Originals
Premium subscribers get critically acclaimed, mostly ad-free on-demand drama.
Examples“Yellowjackets,” “The CHI,” and “Dexter: Resurrection.”
-
Current News and Reality
Timely updates and competitive storytelling round out the lineup.
ExamplesCBS News 24/7, “The Challenge,” and “Survivor 50.”
-
Docs Documentaries & Factual
Documentary series and films explore true crime, nature, history, culture, and real-world stories.
ExamplesParamount+ Originals, SHOWTIME documentaries, and Smithsonian Channel programming.
How to Sign Up for Paramount Plus
For consumers, getting started with Paramount+ is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Paramount Plus Website or App: Navigate to paramountplus.com or download the app on your device to begin the signup process and explore available plans.
- Choose Your Plan: Select between the Essential and Premium plans based on your preferences for ads, features, and content access (more about the plans below).
- Enter Your Information: Provide your full name and email address, create a password, and enter payment details to set up your account securely.
- Confirm and Start Streaming: Verify your details, agree to the terms, and watch on up to 3 devices simultaneously.
Paramount+ by the Numbers
These reported figures highlight the scale of Paramount+ content and viewer engagement.
-
40,000 Episodes and movies
Paramount+’s advertised U.S. catalog as of July 2026.
-
10.4B Global viewing hours
Paramount+ viewing increased 22% in 2025 compared with 2024.
-
~14,000 Hours of sports programming
Paramount+ subscribers have access to approximately 14,000 hours of sports content in 2026.
-
Nearly 50% CBS share of viewing
CBS programming accounted for nearly half of Paramount+ viewing in Q2 2025.
Paramount Plus Plans & Pricing
Paramount+ offers two main subscription tiers to suit different viewer needs, with pricing updated in January 2026 to reflect ongoing investments in content and features.
Paramount+ Essential
At $8.99 per month, the Essential plan delivers ad-supported access to the core library of more than 40,000 episodes and movies, select live sports, and streaming on up to three devices. It does not include the full SHOWTIME catalog, offline downloads, or Premium video formats such as 4K UHD, but remains a cost-effective entry point for casual viewers, with the annual option providing similar proportional savings.
Paramount+ Premium
The Premium plan, priced at $13.99 per month, provides mostly ad-free streaming of on-demand content, access to SHOWTIME originals, and advanced features such as support for 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, and offline downloads. Live TV still includes ads. Annual subscriptions offer savings, equivalent to paying for about 10 months while getting 12.
Does Paramount Plus Have Ads?
Yes, Paramount+ includes ads in its Essential plan, where commercials appear during on-demand content. The Premium plan is mostly ad-free, though live TV and certain promotional elements, such as trailers and sponsorships, may still include limited interruptions.
How Does Paramount Plus Advertising Work?
Paramount+ advertising enables targeted streaming ads through Paramount Ads Manager, where brands can launch self-serve campaigns and use AI tools to create new video ads or repurpose existing social creative. Programmatic access to select live events, including UFC fights, also offers real-time, guaranteed placements.
For viewers, as we mentioned earlier, ads on the Essential plan appear during on-demand programming and during live content that features commercial breaks. Since ads are targeted, they tend to feel more relevant and, therefore, less intrusive.
For advertisers, targeting options include demographics, interests, behaviors, and geography. These options help brands reach relevant audiences across Paramount’s streaming inventory.
Paramount Advertising by the Numbers
These newer figures highlight both advertiser performance on Paramount+ and the scale of Paramount’s direct-to-consumer advertising business.
-
21% Higher Ad attention rate
Paramount+ delivered a 21% higher ad attention rate than other AVOD services in Q4 2025.
-
$517M Q1 2026 DTC ad revenue
Paramount reported $517 million in direct-to-consumer advertising revenue in Q1 2026, up 9% year over year.
What Devices Support Paramount+?
Paramount+ works across the devices most viewers already use, including smart TVs, streaming players, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and web browsers. That means you can watch from the living room, on the go, or directly from your laptop.
Availability can vary by device model, operating system, and region, so it is worth checking Paramount+’s latest compatibility list before downloading the app. With that said, if you’ve got a somewhat modern device with an internet connection, odds are you can use Paramount+.
Why You Need Performance TV
Paramount+ gives viewers plenty to explore, but for advertisers, the real value lies in reaching those audiences while they are settled in and ready to watch. MNTN opens the door to Paramount+ inventory and other premium CTV environments, then adds precise targeting, automatic campaign refinement, and real-time performance visibility to make each placement work harder.
Put your brand inside premium streaming content with a campaign designed to do more than earn attention. Turn big-screen exposure into accountable growth—sign up today with MNTN’s self-serve software.
Paramount Plus: Final Thoughts
As CTV viewership surges and is projected to capture even more ad spend in 2026, Paramount Plus positions itself as a leader with its robust content slate and subscriber growth. Marketers can capitalize on its high-engagement inventory, from live UFC events drawing millions to targeted ads that align with performance goals. For brands exploring CTV, platforms like MNTN offer seamless ways to activate across services like Paramount Plus, driving incremental reach and results.
Want a Closer Look?
Discover how Performance TV delivers revenue, conversions and more through the power of Connected TV. Request a demo today to speak to an expert.