Paramount Plus is not on Hulu or Netflix as a standalone channel
Paramount Plus is its own streaming service owned by Paramount Global. You cannot watch Paramount Plus content through a Netflix or Hulu subscription. However, there are ways to bundle Paramount Plus with other services, and some of those bundles include Hulu or Netflix as separate add-ons.
The confusion often comes from the fact that you can layer multiple streaming services together. If you subscribe to Paramount Plus and also want Netflix or Hulu, you pay for each one separately—or you can use a bundle that combines some of them at a discount.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service and does not appear as a channel within Netflix or Hulu.
- You can bundle Paramount Plus with other services like Apple TV+ or add-ons through certain providers, but this is different from finding it inside another app.
- Paramount Plus offers its own original shows, movies, and live sports that are exclusive to the service.
- The cheapest way to access Paramount Plus is through its ad-supported plan, which costs less than the ad-free option.
How Paramount Plus subscriptions work
Paramount Plus operates as a standalone streaming app. You read it on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer, or you visit the website directly. When you open the app, you see only Paramount Plus content—shows, movies, and live events that Paramount owns or has licensed.
The service offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without ads. The ad-supported plan costs less per month. Both plans give you access to the same library of content; the difference is whether commercials play during shows and movies.
You can also watch Paramount Plus through certain cable and streaming bundles, but you are still using the Paramount Plus app or website—you are not accessing it through Netflix or Hulu.
Bundle options that include Paramount Plus
If you want to combine services at a lower total cost, Paramount offers a bundle called Paramount Plus with Showtime. This combines Paramount Plus and Showtime (another premium channel owned by Paramount) into one subscription. This is not the same as bundling with Netflix or Hulu, but it does let you pay one price for two services.
Paramount Plus also partners with Apple TV+ through Apple's ecosystem. If you have an Apple One subscription (which bundles Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and other Apple services), Paramount Plus can sometimes be added as an extra service, though this varies by region and plan.
Some cable providers and internet services (like Verizon Fios or certain phone plans) include Paramount Plus as a perk. In these cases, you still use the Paramount Plus app—the cable company or phone provider is just paying for your subscription as part of your package.
What content is exclusive to Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus hosts original series and movies you cannot watch on Netflix or Hulu. These include shows like Yellowstone, Star Trek: Discovery, The Offer, and 1883. The service also streams live sports, including NFL games, college football, and soccer matches.
Paramount Plus also carries movies from Paramount Pictures' library, along with content from other networks and studios that Paramount has licensed. The exact catalog changes over time as licensing agreements expire and new deals are made.
How to watch Paramount Plus on your devices
read the Paramount Plus app from your device's app store (Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Roku Channel Store). On a smart TV, you can often find the app in your TV's built-in app menu. On a computer, go directly to the Paramount Plus website.
Once you have the app or are on the website, create an account and choose your subscription plan. You will need a payment method on file. After that, you can log in and start watching when ready.
If you have Paramount Plus through a cable provider or phone plan, you may be able to log in with your provider credentials instead of creating a separate account. Check your provider's website or contact their customer service to confirm.
Why Paramount Plus is separate from Netflix and Hulu
Each streaming service is owned by a different company and operates independently. Netflix is owned by Netflix Inc., Hulu is owned by Disney, and Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global. These companies compete with each other, so they do not share content or merge their apps.
Each service licenses or produces its own content and decides where that content appears. A show might be on Paramount Plus but not on Netflix, or vice versa, depending on who owns the rights and what deals have been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus through my Hulu account?
No. Paramount Plus does not appear as a channel or add-on within Hulu. You must read the Paramount Plus app or visit the website separately. However, you can subscribe to both Hulu and Paramount Plus and use them as two different apps on the same device.
Is Paramount Plus included with Netflix?
No. Netflix and Paramount Plus are separate services with no integration. If you want both, you pay for both subscriptions separately. Netflix does not offer Paramount Plus as an add-on or channel.
What is the cheapest way to get Paramount Plus?
The ad-supported plan is the least expensive option. Paramount Plus also sometimes offers discounted rates during promotional periods, so checking the website directly before you subscribe can save you money.
Can I share my Paramount Plus login with family members?
Paramount Plus allows multiple profiles on one account, similar to Netflix. However, the terms of service restrict simultaneous streaming to a certain number of devices depending on your plan. Check the current terms on the Paramount Plus website for exact limits.
What if I want Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount Plus all together?
You would need to subscribe to all three services separately, as they do not bundle together. However, you can use all three apps on the same device and switch between them. Some people use a streaming device like Roku or Apple TV to organize all their apps in one place.