Periodically, we like to give updates on stories we’ve covered in the past to let you know what’s new and different in the subscription world. Here are a few recent stories we’re following up on:
WWE Network: The subscription WWE Network gets stronger every day. In February, we reported that WWE had strong financials for the fourth quarter of 2015 and record revenue for year. Monday WWE reported that its Wrestlemania 2016 had record viewers, reaching 1.82 million subscribers (1.5 paid subscribers) on Sunday. This represents a 39% increase from Wrestlemania 2015. In addition, for the first quarter of 2016, WWE Network attracted an average of 1.29 million paid subscribers, and it anticipates an increase of average paid subscribers of 22% to 27% for the second quarter, based on subscriber acquisition and retention trends.
Starz: There certainly isn’t a shortage of streaming video on demand services these days. In January, we reported that Starz would offer a stand-alone streaming video service, but it didn’t offer details or a launch date. In March, we reported that Starz’s subscription numbers were up, but its profits were down. The latest on Starz is that it is launching its over-the-top (OTT) TV service tomorrow, says Ad Week. It will be available on Android and iOS and will cost $8.99 a month. As an incentive to sign up, Starz is offering subscribers early access to the Season 2 premiere of Outlander.
Jukely: Since Jukely’s initial launch, it has grown by leaps and bounds, adding new cities as the idea of a subscription service for concert tickets catches on. Jukely is now available in 15 U.S. cities and in London and Toronto. Most recently, Jukely has updated its iOS app and subscribers can earn “experience points” when they check into shows, says Social Times. Also, subscribers can get collectible cards with original artwork, offering Jukely customers exclusive perks.
Microsoft Outlook: In February, we reported that Microsoft was testing a premium version of Outlook. Power users will be pleased to know that Microsoft has finally released details about the service. Outlook Premium is available for $3.99 a month, says Beta News. This version is also ad-free (but not the same as the ad-free plan) and it supports up to five custom email accounts. The program is still in its pilot phase, and Microsoft has not said when it will be available to the general public. For now, the service is available for free for the first year. Subscriptions kick in at the start of year 2, reports TechCrunch. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more!
SoundCloud: Two weeks ago we reported that SoundCloud was getting closer to launching its subscription service with the new deal it signed with Sony. A week later, the service – SoundCloud Go – launched. For $9.99 a month, subscribers can listen to their favorite songs ad-free, get access to SoundCloud’s library of 125 million songs as well as exclusive content not available on any of the other services, says The Verge. For example, Kanye West recently posted a new song that is not even available on Tidal, only SoundCloud. There are some popular artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna that you won’t find on SoundCloud, but that’s true of the other services too.
New York Times: What would a news round-up be with the New York Times? Our latest news story about the Gray Lady reported that NYT was testing ad block strategies. Now Re/code reports that the New York Times wants more than 1 million digital subscribers, and it wants to plug holes in its paywall to get them. According to Re/code, the Times is limiting the number of stories Facebook and Twitter users can access without subscribing.
