Directvs Free Streaming Service And Premium Channel Previews
DirecTV has recently announced several free offerings and promotional opportunities for consumers looking to access content without a subscription. These include a new free ad-supported streaming service, premium channel previews, and trial options for potential subscribers. This article examines these free options based on the latest available information.
MyFree DirecTV: New Free Ad-Supported Streaming Service
DirecTV is launching a new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service called MyFree DirecTV, which will compete with other free streaming platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and the Roku Channel. This service represents DirecTV's entry into the growing FAST market, which provides free content supported by advertising.
The service is scheduled to launch on November 15 and will be accessible nationwide through multiple platforms. Viewers can access MyFree DirecTV online, via mobile devices, and on select smart TVs and streaming devices. For existing DirecTV pay TV subscribers, the service will integrate with their personalized "Your TV" content aggregation carousel.
According to DirecTV's announcement, MyFree DirecTV will offer "curated FAST Channel content" rather than the full lineup available through their paid services. The service will include an extensive on-demand library of movies and shows, though the exact size of this catalog has not been fully disclosed. DirecTV has indicated plans to expand the content offerings in 2025 and beyond.
The programming available on MyFree DirecTV will cover various genres including sports, entertainment, kids and family content, news, and lifestyle programs. This approach aims to provide a starting point for consumers interested in experiencing DirecTV's content offerings without committing to a subscription.
Amy Leifer, DirecTV's head of advertising, stated that the goal of MyFree DirecTV is to provide "consumers quality content with more choice and more control at the right value." This positioning suggests that DirecTV views the service not only as a standalone product but also as a marketing tool to potentially upsell users to their paid television services.
Expanding Channel Lineup
Following its launch, MyFree DirecTV will expand its channel lineup with new offerings from major media companies. Starting August 14, the service added three NBCUniversal channels:
- Dateline 24/7: A dedicated channel featuring true crime mysteries from the long-running show
- NBC News NOW: A 24/7 news channel
- TODAY All Day: Four hours of the TODAY show daily from 11 a.m. ET, followed by various shows and segments hosted by Today anchors
On August 25, the service added two Fox channels and four Warner Bros. Discovery channels. The Fox channels will focus on sports and The Masked Singer, with the sports channel showing documentaries, podcasts, and segments from the FS1 studio show rather than live sports events. The Warner Bros. Discovery channels will offer programming across crime, culinary arts, paranormal mysteries, reality TV, and sports.
DirecTV's existing channel lineup also includes Lionsgate's MovieSphere FAST channel, which features movies such as 3:10 to Yuma, Ender's Game, and Wind River. This variety of content sources aims to create a comprehensive free streaming experience that can compete with established players in the FAST market.
Premium Channel Previews for Existing Subscribers
For current AT&T/DirecTV subscribers, the company is offering free access to premium channels through a limited-time preview event. This promotion allows subscribers to explore premium content without additional cost, potentially encouraging them to subscribe to these channels after the preview period ends.
The free preview includes access to the following premium channels:
- HBO (channels 501-511)
- Cinemax (channels 515-523)
- Starz (channels 525-542)
- Showtime (channels 545-557)
This preview is available until November 27, giving subscribers approximately one month to sample content from these premium networks. The channels are accessible by tuning to the specified channel numbers, though availability may vary depending on the subscriber's region.
The preview includes the full content libraries of each premium network, offering subscribers a comprehensive look at the original programming, movies, and exclusive content available through each service. This represents a significant value proposition for existing DirecTV customers who may be considering adding premium channels to their package.
Free Trial Offers for New Customers
DirecTV provides several trial options for potential new customers looking to test their services before committing to a subscription. These trials offer a risk-free way to evaluate the quality and content available through DirecTV's paid services.
New customers can take advantage of a five-day free trial of DirecTV's services. This trial period allows potential subscribers to explore the full range of channels and content available through DirecTV's various packages. Following the trial, new customers can sign up for their first month of service at a promotional rate of as low as $59.99, representing a significant discount from the regular monthly price.
In addition to the standard free trial, DirecTV occasionally offers extended promotional periods for specific services. These limited-time offers may include extended free trial periods or discounted rates for the first few months of service, providing additional value for new subscribers.
New Subscriber Promotions
For customers ready to commit to a DirecTV subscription, the company offers several promotional packages that include free premium channels for an extended period. These promotions provide substantial value by including multiple premium services at no additional cost for the initial months of service.
New subscribers who select one of the following packages receive three free months of multiple premium services:
- ENTERTAINMENT All Included TV package
- CHOICE All Included TV package
- ULTIMATE All Included TV package
The free premium channels included with these packages are:
- HBO Max
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
- STARZ
- Cinemax
- MGM+
This package of premium services represents a value of approximately $175, making these DirecTV packages particularly attractive for new customers who want access to a wide range of premium content without paying additional monthly fees for each service.
DIRECTV PERKS Program
DirecTV offers a rewards program called DIRECTV PERKS for both new and existing customers. This program provides additional benefits beyond the standard service offerings, creating more value for subscribers.
The DIRECTV PERKS program offers customers unique rewards, content, and experiences. While specific details about the program's offerings are not fully detailed in the source materials, it appears to be an ongoing benefit that enhances the value of being a DirecTV subscriber.
The program represents another way DirecTV differentiates itself in the competitive streaming and pay TV market by providing additional value to customers who choose their service over competitors.
Comparison with Other Free Streaming Options
DirecTV's entry into the free streaming market positions the company alongside other established FAST services. MyFree DirecTV will compete with services like:
- Pluto TV (from Paramount)
- Tubi (from Fox Corp.)
- The Roku Channel
- Sling Freestream (from Dish Network)
Each of these services offers free, ad-supported content, though they vary in their specific channel lineups, on-demand libraries, and user interfaces. DirecTV's advantage lies in its established brand recognition and existing relationships with content providers, which may help it secure attractive content for its free service.
The launch of MyFree DirecTV also comes at a time when DirecTV is in the process of acquiring Dish Network, pending regulatory approval. This acquisition, if completed, would create the largest U.S. pay TV provider with approximately 18 million customers and could potentially lead to further integration of free and paid services.
Conclusion
DirecTV is expanding its offerings to include free content options through multiple channels. The upcoming MyFree DirecTV service will provide a free, ad-supported streaming option with curated content across various genres. For existing subscribers, limited-time previews of premium channels like HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinemax offer additional value without additional cost.
New customers can take advantage of free trials and promotional pricing, while select packages include multiple premium services free for three months. The DIRECTV PERKS program further enhances the value proposition for subscribers.
These free offerings represent DirecTV's strategy to compete in an increasingly crowded streaming market while potentially converting free users into paying customers. By providing multiple entry points to their content ecosystem, DirecTV aims to attract and retain customers across different segments of the market.
Sources
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