# Paramount+ content expansion and free tier testing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paramount-streaming-expansion-and-free-tier
> Updated: 2026-08-18T11:38:24.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In early July, Paramount+ expanded its library with a mix of original dramas and classic series. New original titles included the neo-western “Dutton Ranch,” the spy thriller “The Agency,” and the miniseries “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless.” These were accompanied by family and animated programming such as “Super Duper Bunny League,” “Goosebumps,” “Clifford’s Puppy Days,” “The Magic School Bus,” and “Garfield and Friends.” Additionally, the service added 70 titles on July 1, including “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” (season 4), the series finale of “The Chi,” and a live UFC event.

By late July, the platform began testing a freemium approach via a free tier designed to act as a “front porch” to drive paid subscriptions. This tier offers a curated selection of micro-dramas, vertical-format videos, short-form clips, and a limited library of movies and TV episodes. This shift aligns with plans to merge Paramount+ technical infrastructure with Pluto TV and to expand multi-view sports and short-form features.

In August, the service expanded its experimentation by testing a limited free access model specifically on Android devices. This sampling mechanism allows users to browse the app and stream up to two episodes of selected programs without a paid membership. This model is distinct from Pluto TV’s fully free, ad-supported structure; instead, the Paramount+ trial serves as a short preview intended to convert casual viewers into subscribers before they encounter a paywall.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Paramount+ tests limited free streaming option on Android

Paramount+ is testing a limited free tier on Android that allows users to stream up to two episodes of selected shows to encourage paid subscriptions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paramount-tests-limited-free-streaming-option-on-android

### 2026-07-24: Paramount+ to launch free tier offering limited content

Paramount+ is testing a free tier with limited content to drive subscriptions, while adding 70 new movies and shows including new seasons of Star Trek and The Chi.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paramount-to-launch-free-tier-offering-limited-content

### 2026-07-03: Paramount+ expands library with new drama series and classic shows

Paramount+ adds new dramas—including Dutton Ranch, The Agency and Ruthless—and classic series like Goosebumps and The Magic School Bus to its July lineup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paramount-expands-library-with-new-drama-series-and-classic-shows

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Cite as: Paramount+ content expansion and free tier testing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paramount-streaming-expansion-and-free-tier