After learning Friday morning that AT&T is planning to launch the ad-supported tier of HBO Max this June, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar delivered a presentation on HBO Max during today’s Investor Day event. While we didn’t get the pricing information we were hoping for, we did learn one key detail about the new tier.
When asked during the event about how content on the ad-supported tier will differ from the ad-free tier, Kilar said the same day as theatrical premieres of Warner Bros. movies will be included in the current $14.99 version but not the upcoming ad-supported version. He added that the ad-supported HBO Max tier will not incorporate ads into HBO Max original series.
Marketers are already on board for the new tier. Kilar reported that WarnerMedia has already secured $80 million in upfront commitments from marketers.
Kilar also shared some data about HBO Max viewers during the presentation. Of the 41.5 million current subscribers, 43% are under the age of 35. To retain that younger audience, HBO Max is continuing to focus on promoting the WarnerMedia movies premiering on the streaming service and its collection of HBO Max Originals.