Documentary+ Launches: A New Free Streaming Service Aiming to be the "Criterion Channel" for Non-Fiction Films
The landscape of streaming services continues to evolve, with a new player entering the arena today: Documentary+. This free, ad-supported platform is specifically designed to cater to documentary enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of non-fiction films. A collaborative effort between the late Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, and studio XTR, Documentary+ seeks to distinguish itself with a focus on high-quality content and a commitment to supporting documentary filmmakers.
The service boasts an impressive initial catalog, featuring works from acclaimed directors such as Werner Herzog, Terrence Malick, Kathryn Bigelow, and Spike Jonze. This star-studded lineup suggests a dedication to showcasing compelling and thought-provoking documentaries. At launch, Documentary+ offers a diverse range of categories, including politics, sports, comedy, music, and true crime, indicating a broad appeal and an attempt to capture a wide audience within the documentary niche. The service launches with over 150 titles.
Bryn Mooser, co-founder of Documentary+ and CEO of XTR, emphasized the carefully curated nature of the platform in an interview. All films are licensed, ensuring legal access and support for the filmmakers. Mooser also stated that the library will be dynamic, with titles rotating in and out over time. This strategy aims to maintain a sense of freshness and discovery for viewers. The aspiration for Documentary+ is to emulate the Criterion Channel, but specifically for documentaries, offering a highly curated and personal viewing experience. This is a bold claim, given the Criterion Channel’s reputation for exceptional film selection and presentation.
The timing of the Documentary+ launch coincides with the Sundance Film Festival, a significant event for independent cinema and documentary filmmaking. Documentary+ plans to actively participate in the festival, seeking out potential acquisitions to further enrich its library. This proactive approach signals a long-term commitment to growing and improving the service’s offerings.
Documentary+ is accessible across multiple platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices (iOS and Android), Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. This widespread availability ensures that viewers can easily access the service regardless of their preferred device. The company currently has no plans for an ad-free version of the service, as the primary focus is on growing its subscriber base through the ad-supported model. However, the company acknowledged that the possibility of an ad-free tier could be explored in the future if there is sufficient demand from users. This suggests a willingness to adapt and cater to the evolving needs and preferences of its audience.
Documentary+ enters a competitive market. While the streaming landscape is crowded with options, many services already offer documentaries within their broader content libraries. Netflix, HBO Max, Discovery+, and Hulu all produce their own original documentaries and license existing titles. In addition, specialized documentary streaming services like Kanopy and CuriosityStream offer extensive catalogs, albeit with varying subscription models. A significant advantage of Documentary+ is its free access. This could be a major draw for viewers who are already paying for multiple streaming subscriptions and are looking for a free alternative to supplement their existing entertainment options. Kanopy, accessible through many public libraries, provides another example of a free service, but Documentary+ offers a potentially more curated and accessible experience directly to viewers.
"There has never been a more exciting time for nonfiction," stated Bryn Mooser. "We’re seeing visionary new directors emerge, and streaming has given documentary films wide new global audiences." He further explained that Documentary+ aims to serve as both a platform for showcasing the best documentary films and a distribution option for filmmakers navigating an increasingly competitive market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital consumption, and Documentary+ is positioning itself to be a key player in the future of the documentary film industry. By offering a free platform with a curated selection of films, the service hopes to attract both viewers and filmmakers.
Ultimately, the success of Documentary+ will depend on its ability to deliver on its promise of providing a high-quality, curated experience for documentary enthusiasts. The initial selection of films from renowned directors is a strong starting point. However, the key will be to consistently acquire and showcase compelling new content while maintaining a curated and engaging library. The commitment to acquiring films at the Sundance Film Festival suggests a proactive approach to content acquisition.
The ad-supported model presents both opportunities and challenges. While it allows for free access, the frequency and intrusiveness of ads could potentially detract from the viewing experience. Balancing the need for revenue generation with the desire to provide a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience will be crucial.
The comparison to the Criterion Channel sets a high bar. The Criterion Collection is renowned for its meticulous curation, restoration, and presentation of classic and contemporary films. Documentary+ will need to demonstrate a similar level of dedication to quality and curation in order to truly earn this comparison.
The accessibility across multiple platforms is a significant advantage, ensuring that viewers can easily access the service on their preferred devices. The company’s willingness to consider an ad-free tier in the future demonstrates a commitment to adapting to the needs of its audience.
Documentary+ enters a crowded but potentially lucrative market. The growing popularity of documentaries suggests a strong demand for non-fiction content. By offering a free, curated service with a focus on high-quality films, Documentary+ has the potential to attract a significant audience and establish itself as a leading platform for documentary filmmaking. The legacy of Tony Hsieh and the vision of Bryn Mooser and the XTR team could make this a streaming service that endures and flourishes. Only time will tell whether Documentary+ can live up to its ambitious goals and become the "Criterion Channel" for documentaries.
