Why can't I watch my Paramount+ movie or TV show on VidAngel?
If your Paramount+ displays as linked to VidAngel (indicated by a checkmark), for either Paramount+ (standalone) or Amazon Paramount+, but you're still unable to play a Paramount+ title, you're in the right place! There are a few nuances with Paramount+ and VidAngel, so we’ll guide you through understanding and resolving the issues.
If your Paramount+ does not display as linked (indicated by no checkmark) for either Paramount+ (standalone) or Amazon Paramount+ (see below if you need more information about that), then you first need to link to your Paramount+ to VidAngel.
If that is your situation, you'll find better information in these articles:
- Differences between Paramount+ (standalone) vs. Amazon Paramount+
- Streaming Services Will Not Link to VidAngel
There are two options for linking Paramount+ to VidAngel. You will need to know which subscription you have.
1. Paramount+
If you subscribed to Paramount+ directly through paramountplus.com, or through a third party like Walmart+ or T-Mobile.
Sometimes called: “Paramount+ standalone” or “Direct Paramount+” or "Paramount+ outside of Amazon"
2. Under Amazon: Amazon Paramount+
If you subscribe to Paramount+ as an Add-On Channel through Amazon Prime Video.
Sometimes called: “Paramount+ via Prime”
The easiest way to know is to look at your Links Services page on VidAngel
Why does it matter?
When you're on VidAngel you will have access to more content via Amazon Paramount+.
This is because we have to research and add filters to each title in our catalog, and we've had an Amazon connection longer. That means on VidAngel, not all Paramount+ content is readily available for both Paramount and Amazon Paramount+—for now, some titles exist in one catalog but not the other.
So, if you come across a title on VidAngel that is only showing available via Amazon Paramount+ and you want it through Paramount+ (standalone), please send us a request!
Both Paramount+ (direct) and Amazon Paramount+ offer two plans:
-
Essential ($7.99/month):
- Includes ads
- Does NOT include most Showtime titles
-
Premium ($12.99/month):
- Mostly ad-free (with a few exceptions)
- DOES include Showtime titles
This will show you how to find out which plan your one: Differences between Paramount+ (standalone) vs. Amazon Paramount+
Why does it matter?
VidAngel has some limitations for plans that contain commercials/ads on some devices, and some content is not available on the Essential Plan.
More details on both of these below ⬇️
Roku
Roku has some specific requirements when it comes to ad-based streaming services that we can’t fulfill as an add-on service. This means that the Paramount+ Essential plan won’t work on VidAngel’s Roku app.
Casting
Currently, VidAngel doesn’t support casting for content with ads. This means that the Paramount+ Essential plan won’t work on VidAngel when casting.
| IMPORTANT: Even with an ad-free plan, some titles might not work with casting due to pre-roll ads. These are short promotions or logos that play before the video (common with Paramount+ Originals and some AMC+ titles). Unfortunately, VidAngel currently can’t cast content with pre-roll ads, even if the plan is ad-free. They seem harmless, but they’re like a tiny splinter in VidAngel’s perfect setup. |
To watch Paramount+ on Roku or with casting (with limitations), you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium (ad-free) plan. Another option is to use VidAngel on a different device (only Roku or casting has these ad limitations). We think it’s worth it! It’s like getting upgraded to first class, but for streaming.
Showtime titles on Paramount+
Showtime was acquired by Paramount+ in April 2024. Only the Premium plan includes all Showtime titles. If you’re on the Essential plan, most Showtime titles aren’t accessible. VidAngel’s working to make the distinction more clear, but for now, you might see a title that looks available from your Paramount+ but gives you an error. It’s confusing, we know, but VidAngel is working to improve this!
How can you know if it's a Showtime title?
Good question! The best way to find out is to visit the title directly on amazon.com or paramouontplus.com.
On Amazon, you can know if it's a SHOWTIME title if:
- It states that you need to upgrade to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
- It costs $12.99 (vs. $7.99 for Essential)
- It has a SHOWTIME logo
On Paramount+ Plus, you can know if it's a SHOWTIME title if:
-
It has a locked symbol
Why am I only able to play the first episode?
Sometimes, the first episode of a TV series plays on Roku or while casting (or on other devices), even if you don’t have a Premium plan, or even if you don't have a Paramount+ subscription! Why? Because it’s like a free sample at the grocery store—enticing, but then you want more. This is often a promotional feature to let users watch the first episode ad-free or at no cost.
We know that was a lot, so here's a summary of Paramount+ options and what you can access on VidAngel with each Paramount+ plan:
| Feature / Limitation |
Paramount+ (Standalone) |
Paramount+ (Standalone) |
Amazon |
Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How You Subscribed | paramountplus.com (or Walmart+) | paramountplus.com (or Walmart+) | Amazon Prime Video account | Amazon Prime Video account |
|
Ads or ad-free |
✅ Includes ads | ❌ Mostly ad-free | ✅ Includes ads | ❌ Mostly ad-free |
| Showtime Titles | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
|
Roku Support |
❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Supported |
| Casting Support | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Limited (possible pre-rolls) | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Limited (possible pre-rolls) |
| Catalog Size on VidAngel | Smaller (newer connection) | Smaller (newer connection) | Larger (longer history; more titles) | Larger (longer history; more titles) |
|
Plan Price |
$7.99/mo | $12.99/mo | $7.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
Still having trouble?
If you're running into trouble when trying to watch from Paramount+, please ensure you've selected the correct service in VidAngel (Paramount vs. Amazon Paramount+).
Still stuck? Check out: Trouble Playing Shows