In a savvy promotion, Apple TV+ is inviting viewers to indulge in its streaming TV and movies for free over the weekend to entice them to subscribe for $9.99 a month in the U.S. This two-day offer aims to showcase what lies beyond the Apple paywall, with the goal of capturing viewers’ interest and encouraging them to become regular subscribers.
According to Michael D. Smith, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, the brief two-day window strikes a balance, providing enough time for exploration without overwhelming viewers. Unlike typical promotions that require personal information or credit card details, all that’s needed is a free Apple ID, making it hassle-free for potential viewers.
The Apple TV+ catalog features acclaimed shows like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show” alongside other popular series and movies such as “Silo,” “Severance,” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” The weekend promotion is expected to yield valuable data for Apple to refine its customer engagement strategy and cater to diverse viewer preferences.
Smith plans to enjoy “Ted Lasso” with his son and explore “Severance” with his daughter during the free trial period, acknowledging that two days might not be enough to fully delve into all the content. By offering a glimpse into its content library, Apple hopes to attract new customers and retain existing ones, positioning its high-quality shows as the anchor to draw viewers into further exploration.
This limited-time promotion marks Apple TV+’s efforts to boost its subscriber numbers, as it currently lags behind other streaming giants. By allowing a broader audience to sample its premium content, Apple aims to convert viewers into loyal subscribers and elevate its standing in the competitive streaming landscape.
If viewers miss the Apple TV+ weekend offer, the streamer already has a free 7-day trial promotion available. Additionally, there are numerous other offers available through retailers like Target, Best Buy, Samsung, and incentives for purchasers of Apple devices.
Jared Newman, a respected technology journalist and the publisher of the newsletter Cord Cutter Weekly, noted that this promotion appears to be part of a significant effort by Apple to boost its subscriber numbers. Recent agreements have been reached for the streamer to be distributed through Amazon, with indications that Apple may be considering the introduction of an ad-supported tier.
Newman commented, “They really need to get their numbers up and need to get more people on board whatever way possible. It may be just another way to test the waters of who would access their service if they didn’t have to pay for it.”
The landscape of the industry has evolved from individual paid downloads to providing unlimited access for subscribers. Looking ahead, there is anticipation for the introduction of various subscription tiers. For instance, one possible scenario could involve offering one free episode for non-subscribers and a full season for dedicated fans in order to generate interest and engagement.
Zhou, a keen observer of industry trends, envisions a future where tech giants compete fiercely for consumer attention through content differentiation. In his view, the battle among these companies revolves around the question of how to capture and retain the attention of consumers, as attention is deemed the most valuable asset in today’s digital landscape.
