Plex, a media streaming platform, is getting ready to introduce a marketplace for TV and movie rentals after encountering several delays. The company first announced its intention to expand into the rentals space just before the Covid-19 pandemic, but various technical issues and the pandemic impacted the launch timeline. Last year, Plex mentioned at CES that the rentals market would be launched in the second quarter, but that didn’t happen.
However, the company has now confirmed that its TV and movie store will indeed launch next month, as originally reported by Janko Roettgers. Plex has verified the accuracy of the report, but it did not disclose specific details such as show titles or launch partners. The exact timing of the store’s launch is yet to be made public, but it is expected to have the participation of “most studios,” with plans to add more over time.
Plex has long been planning to enter the transactional video on demand (TVOD) market to complement its ad-supported streaming service. The introduction of the storefront is aimed at providing Plex users with on-demand access to movies and TV shows, positioning Plex as a comprehensive platform for media content.
Delays in implementing this service were primarily due to technical issues such as difficulties in DRM implementation and obtaining studio approval. Additionally, Plex had to address an unrelated technical bug that affected the streaming experience on certain platforms. These obstacles have now been overcome, and the rentals service is finally approaching its launch date.
Aside from the TVOD store, Plex is also planning to roll out a redesigned platform as well as additional social features in the coming year.
