Australia has another streaming service on the way – but this one’s free
Although there are likely to be more streaming options in the future, this one won't break the bank.
Free streaming television service Pluto TV is likely to launch in Australia based on comments from a top executive at its parent company Paramount.
Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of International Networks, Studios and Streaming at Paramount, mentioned the Australian arrival in comments at the recent launch of Pluto TV in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
"The launch of Pluto TV in the Nordics is a tremendous milestone for the service, as we're now streaming in more than 30 countries and territories globally," Annecchino said in a press statement.
"This transformative partnership will serve as the framework as we continue to expand Pluto TV throughout Europe and in new continents, including Australia and Africa, bringing this strategic model of free streaming to the world."
What is Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service. It provides live linear channels just like a TV broadcaster as well as titles on-demand. It offers content as designated channels categorised by program type or theme. Curated linear channels can house genre-specific films, TV shows and even videos from the Internet.
A quick explanation might be it's like Foxtel, but free. Pluto for example has channels that focus on movies, reality, crime, comedy, news, classic TV and more, just like a pay TV provider.
10-day free trial of Foxtel Now
No installation and no lock-in contract. New customers only. Sign up now.
When will Pluto TV launch in Australia?
There is no confirmed date, but judging by Annecchino's comments, its arrival is definitely on the horizon for Australia.
There is also no confirmed format for what Pluto TV might look like when it gets here. Annecchino mentioned a "transformative" partnership in the Nordics. This means Pluto TV may team up with a local service for the Australian launch like it did in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
The Nordic version of Pluto TV features more than 70 unique and locally curated channels. The US version has over 250 channels.
What other free streaming services are out there?
- Free-to-air services: Each TV network in Australia has a free streaming destination. All that's required to sign up is your email address. From there you can catch up on material that was broadcast on TV. Sometimes there are titles exclusives to the service too. These services are 7Plus, 9Now, 10 Play, ABC iView and SBS On Demand.
- Kanopy: A free service that requires you to be a member of either a library or university to access. Check with each respective institution to see if this is available to you.
- Tubi: An ad-supported streaming service claiming to have over 40,000 movies and TV shows.
For our complete guide to streaming, head to our Internet TV homepage. Or, take a look at all the streaming free trials available in Australia to find your new favourite show.
