Quibi has launched a free, ad-supported tier in Australia and New Zealand. After the company’s 6th April launch in several regions failed to meet its expectations, the company began re-evaluating its business model.
The decision to try the free-version tactic the streaming service seeks to expand internationally and add subscribers. The offer in Australia and New Zealand reflects the change the platform has undergone in terms of business models and strategies.
Since its launch, Quibi has been a subscription-based service, offering two options: an ad-supported plan for $5 a month and an ad-free version at $8 a month. The company is also launching a more cost-effective ad-free subscription in Australia and New Zealand, cutting prices from AUD$12.99 (€7.88) per month to AUD$6.99. In the US the service costs $5 (€4.22) per month for an ad-supported service or USD 8 per month for ad-free content. The platform isn’t planning to offer a free version in the U.S at the moment.
A company spokesperson informed Gizmondo that it would re-assess the viability of different business models on a market-by-market basis, so it’s unknown whether a free tier is scheduled to be released in the US, or any other countries the service launches in.