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When Will Paramount+ Be Available with Walmart+?

Paramount+ is currently available to Walmart+ members. This partnership officially launched on September 2022, offering Walmart+ subscribers access to the Paramount+ Essential Plan as part of their membership benefits. There isn’t any announcement of a date by which Paramount+ will be unavailable. This continues to be an actively provided benefit.

The Powerhouse Partnership: Walmart+ and Paramount+

The strategic alliance between Walmart+ and Paramount+ represents a significant shift in the streaming landscape and the evolution of membership programs. Walmart, recognizing the increasing demand for entertainment alongside everyday essentials, bundled Paramount+ Essential Plan into its existing subscription service. This move was designed to attract new members, enhance the value proposition of Walmart+, and compete more effectively with rival subscription bundles offered by companies like Amazon. For Paramount+, the partnership provided access to a massive potential audience through Walmart’s existing customer base, driving subscriber growth and increasing brand visibility. It’s a win-win – consumers get more bang for their buck, Walmart strengthens its membership offering, and Paramount+ expands its reach.

What You Get: Unpacking the Paramount+ Essential Plan

The Paramount+ offering within Walmart+ provides access to the Essential Plan, which includes a vast library of content. You can indulge in popular TV shows like Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Wife, SpongeBob SquarePants, and NCIS. The service offers a wide range of films from Paramount Pictures, Miramax, and other studios. Live sports events, including select NFL games and Champions League soccer, are also available. Keep in mind that the Essential Plan includes commercials and does not offer access to local CBS stations. For those who prefer ad-free viewing and access to local CBS channels, upgrading to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan may be an attractive option, though it would require a separate subscription.

Why This Matters: The Streaming Wars and the Consumer

The inclusion of Paramount+ with Walmart+ is more than just a streaming perk; it reflects the evolving dynamics of the streaming industry. As the market becomes increasingly saturated, companies are exploring innovative ways to differentiate their services and attract new subscribers. Bundling streaming services with other subscriptions, like retail memberships, is one way to achieve this. This trend benefits consumers by providing a wider range of content and services at a potentially lower cost, all within a single, convenient subscription. The future of streaming may very well lie in these integrated packages, offering consumers a holistic entertainment and shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I activate Paramount+ with my Walmart+ membership?

Activating Paramount+ with your Walmart+ membership is simple. First, ensure you have a valid and active Walmart+ membership. Then, navigate to the Walmart+ benefits section on the Walmart website or app. Look for the Paramount+ tile and click on it. You’ll be prompted to either create a new Paramount+ account or link your existing one. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process. Once activated, you can start streaming Paramount+ content through the Paramount+ app or website using your credentials.

2. Does the Paramount+ plan offered through Walmart+ include everything that Paramount+ offers?

No, the Paramount+ plan included with Walmart+ is the Essential Plan. This plan includes a large library of on-demand content and select live sports events. However, it does include commercials and does not include access to your local CBS station. The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan offers ad-free viewing (except for live TV and select shows) and includes access to your local CBS station but it requires a separate subscription and it is not included in Walmart+.

3. Can I upgrade my Paramount+ Essential plan from Walmart+ to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan?

Yes, you can upgrade your Paramount+ Essential Plan obtained through Walmart+ to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. You will need to manage your Paramount+ subscription directly through Paramount+ to make the upgrade. Keep in mind that you’ll be paying separately for the Showtime plan in addition to the Walmart+ fee.

4. What happens to my Paramount+ access if I cancel my Walmart+ membership?

If you cancel your Walmart+ membership, your access to Paramount+ through the Walmart+ benefit will also be terminated. You will no longer be able to stream content on Paramount+ using the credentials linked to your Walmart+ account. If you wish to continue using Paramount+, you will need to subscribe directly through Paramount+.

5. I already have a Paramount+ subscription. Can I merge it with my Walmart+ benefit?

Yes, you can merge your existing Paramount+ subscription with the Walmart+ benefit, although the process might vary depending on your existing subscription type. You’ll typically need to cancel your existing Paramount+ subscription first. Then, activate Paramount+ through your Walmart+ account. Ensure you use the same email address for both accounts to avoid any complications. After activating Paramount+ through Walmart+, your previous billing will cease, and you’ll access Paramount+ through your Walmart+ membership. Important: Check with Paramount+ directly to avoid double billing issues.

6. Can I share my Paramount+ account obtained through Walmart+ with family members?

The Paramount+ Essential plan allows you to create multiple profiles within the same account. This means family members can create their own profiles and watch content simultaneously, depending on the streaming limits of the plan. This is a great way for multiple family members to enjoy the benefits.

7. What devices are compatible with Paramount+ when accessed through Walmart+?

Paramount+ is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:

Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)

You can stream Paramount+ content on any of these devices using your Paramount+ credentials.

8. Is there a free trial of Paramount+ available through Walmart+?

The Paramount+ benefit with Walmart+ is not a free trial. It is part of the overall Walmart+ membership benefits package. To access Paramount+, you must be a paid Walmart+ member. Walmart+ does offer free trials, but this provides access to all Walmart+ benefits including Paramount+.

9. Are there any hidden fees or extra charges when using Paramount+ through Walmart+?

There are no hidden fees or extra charges associated with using Paramount+ through Walmart+, as long as you stick with the Essential Plan. However, if you choose to upgrade to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, you will be charged separately for the upgraded plan by Paramount+. Other than that, the only cost is your Walmart+ membership fee.

10. How do I troubleshoot issues with Paramount+ streaming through Walmart+?

If you encounter issues with Paramount+ streaming through Walmart+, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
Restart your device: Restarting your streaming device, computer, or mobile device can often resolve temporary glitches.
Clear the cache and cookies: Clearing the cache and cookies in your web browser or the Paramount+ app can fix performance issues.
Update the Paramount+ app: Make sure you are using the latest version of the Paramount+ app.
Contact Paramount+ support: If the issue persists, contact Paramount+ customer support for further assistance.
Contact Walmart+ support: If you can’t activate the Paramount+ benefit at all, contact Walmart+ support to ensure your membership is in good standing.

11. Does the Paramount+ benefit with Walmart+ affect my other Walmart+ benefits?

No, the Paramount+ benefit does not affect any other Walmart+ benefits. You will continue to enjoy all the standard Walmart+ perks, such as free shipping, discounts on fuel, free grocery delivery, and other exclusive offers. The addition of Paramount+ simply enhances the overall value of your Walmart+ membership.

12. Can I download content from Paramount+ to watch offline when using the Walmart+ benefit?

The ability to download content for offline viewing depends on the specific Paramount+ plan. While the Essential Plan might not offer downloads, the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan typically does. Since the Walmart+ membership includes the Paramount+ Essential Plan, downloading content for offline viewing is typically not an available feature without upgrading to the higher-tier plan.