Paramount+ to Raise U.S. Prices in Early 2026
Paramount+, a leading streaming service, is set to increase its prices in the United States as part of its ongoing content investment strategy. David Ellison, chairman, and CEO of Paramount Skydance, announced these changes in the company’s Q3 2025 report.
Upcoming Price Increases for Paramount+
Starting January 15, 2026, the Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported) plan will rise by $1, reaching $8.99 per month. The Paramount+ Premium (ad-free) plan will also see a $1 increase, bringing the monthly rate to $13.99.
- Annual Plans:
- Essential plan will increase to $89.99 per year.
- Premium plan will increase to $139.99 per year.
This price adjustment aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance the value of its offerings. Ellison stated that the changes will support increased reinvestment in the user experience and expand programming for viewers.
Reasons Behind the Price Hike
Ellison also highlighted Paramount’s recent significant deals. Paramount secured a seven-year agreement worth $7.7 billion with UFC, granting Paramount+ exclusive streaming rights to the organization’s events. Furthermore, a five-year deal with “South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, reportedly worth $1.5 billion, solidifies “South Park” as a key driver for new subscriptions in Q3.
Current Subscription Growth and Revenue Insights
As of September 2025, Paramount+ reached 79.1 million subscribers, up from 77.7 million in the previous quarter. The service is poised for a 17% year-over-year revenue increase, totaling $2.17 billion. The Paramount+ segment alone contributed $1.04 billion, a 24% year-over-year rise.
- Adjusted Earnings:
- $105 million (12% margin) before the merger.
- $235 million (18% margin) post-merger.
Additionally, starting in Q4 2025, Paramount+ will only report paid subscribers in its figures, a change aimed at providing a clearer picture of its user base. Currently, the platform has around 1.2 million users on free trials.
Paramount+’s Future Content Strategy
Looking ahead to 2026, Paramount plans to invest over $1.5 billion in programming. This investment will focus on direct-to-consumer offerings, original content, and licensing third-party catalogs. The service also aims to boost its film slate to 15 movies annually.
Despite the upcoming price increases, Paramount+ remains committed to providing competitive pricing alongside a robust lineup of original series and popular franchises, including “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible.” With these strategies, Paramount+ aims to enhance its market position and subscriber base in the evolving streaming landscape.
