The new streaming subscription service CNN+ launched in the U.S. today. The service will stream on connected devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, as well as Amazon Fire TV. It will be available via both Android and iOS.
While the service is available on Apple TV, it will not initially be available on Android TVs or on Roku.
CNN says additional device support for CNN+ will be available in the coming months.
Users must download the CNN app, which will contain both the CNN+ subscription service and access to the existing TV everywhere service for pay TV subscribers, including the live TV feeds of CNN, CNN International and HLN.
The service costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Early subscribers who sign up within the first four weeks directly via CNNPlus.com will have access to the “Deal of a Lifetime,” or 50% off the monthly plan – for life – as long as they remain subscribers. Alternatively, new users can sign up for a 7-day free trial via participating app stores.
CNN began testing different price points last fall by serving prompts to users on its mobile site. The prompts displayed potential prices ranging from $1.99 to $9.99 per month.
The new CNN+ service features three types of content: live, on-demand and interactive programming.
At launch, 8-12 live daily shows will debut, in addition to the first episode of a slate of weekly programming, and an on-demand library of more than 1,000 hours of programming from the CNN Original Series and CNN Films teams.
Additionally, the Interview Club platform provides an interactive community for subscribers.
CNN first revealed plans for CNN+ in June 2021. Although the service is not initially launching on as many platforms as would be ideal, it’s racing to catch up with its news competitors, which have already rolled out streaming services.
Earlier this month, MSNBC said it would take some of its most popular opinion news shows such as “Morning Joe,” “Deadline: White House,” “The ReidOut” and “All In with Chris Hayes" and stream them on Comcast’s Peacock service a few hours after they air on cable television.
Peacock chargers $4.99 per month for its ad-supported tier, and it also provides the service for free through Comcast Xfinity and other distributors.
Fox sells Fox Nation, a subscription streaming video service from Fox News Channel, for $5.99 per month, $64.99 per year and $99 for two years.