RTL + had already announced in the past that it wanted to position itself more broadly in the future. Now the first step follows with the new RTL+ Music app.
In Germany, the streaming market continues to boom despite all external influences. Noisy Association of Private Media (Vaunet) in Germany, more than 20 million people are now streaming as part of a subscription – a considerable number, but which also leaves a lot of room for improvement. RTL+ wants to use this and is expanding its video streaming service with another app called RTL+ Musik. As the name suggests, it’s all about the user’s audio experience. What can the new service do and how much does it cost?
RTL+ music joins RTL+
In November 2021, RTL’s in-house streaming service TV Now was renamed RTL+ and a long-term media strategy was announced. The goal set at the time: a cross-genre entertainment program. In the meantime, RTL+ has established itself as a video streaming service in Germany. The number of subscribers stands at 3.4 million, which is a decent jump for 2022. A younger audience in particular would use the offer, according to Henning Nieslony, Co-Chief Streaming Officer.
And according to current surveys, they in particular want attractively priced combination offers. Music is the preferred medium in second place behind video. That’s why the service is now offering RTL+ Musik, a new app in a combination package with the previous content.
RTL + should also sit on the competition in the neck. More and more providers are entering the market in all media areas. With the bundled offer, they want to consolidate their position in the market and also keep up with the international players.
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Partnership with Deezer enables large portfolio
From August 18, 2022, the new RTL+ Music app will be fully operational. In order to be able to offer a broad portfolio right from the start, RTL+ is cooperating with Deezer. The French company operates its own music streaming service, which has also been available in Germany since 2011. RTL+ Musik gives users full access to Deezer content, but within their own app and not through Deezer itself.
According to Eva Messerschmidt, Co-Chief Streaming Officer, the current offering includes over 90 million songs, curated playlists and up to 100 radio streams. The special feature is also the close connection to the existing video-on-demand content. RTL+ is backed by the private channels RTL and Vox, whose formats can be seen exclusively on the platform apart from TV. Coupled with this, there are special playlists for shows like “Temptation Island”. The two apps are also technically linked so that they can be switched at the push of a button.
The offer is to be expanded this year to include radio plays and podcasts. So users can expect a lot of music above all. Visually, RTL+ Musik is based on existing music streaming apps with a clear media library and a separate area for favorite content. Features such as integrated song lyrics or the option of exporting a playlist are also coming soon.
How much does RTL+ music cost?
The new offer also changes some of the RTL+ subscription models. So far there have been three tariff levels, starting with the free, advertising-financed subscription up to the premium duo tariff. This included no advertising and enabled access to exclusive content, among other things. In the future there will be a bundle instead:
Good news for many: the free tariff remains in place. The free offer will continue to include the video streaming service in a very slim version and with several commercials in front of the video. Nothing will change for the time being with the premium tariff for EUR 4.99 per month. Subscribers get access to RTL+ Originals and the pre-TV function so that they can watch formats like “The Bachelor” on TV a week before they are broadcast.
The changes therefore relate primarily to the Premium Duo tariff. This will be called RTL+ Max in the future and will cost 12.99 euros a month. The price for the first six months is EUR 9.99 as an introductory offer. The tariff is the only one completely free of advertising – and offers access to RTL+ music. A separate subscription for RTL+ music does not yet exist. Otherwise, nothing will change for paying users; the booked models do not change. However, you can book the new tariff from August 17th.