Yes. Pluto TV has commercials. Ads are part of how the service stays free. If you start a channel or play a movie, you should expect ad breaks. That’s the trade-off. You don’t pay with money. You pay with time.
This article explains why the ads exist, how often they show up, and what you can and can’t control.
Why Does Pluto TV Include Commercials?

Pluto TV runs on an ad-supported model. Ads fund the content, the servers, and the apps. The platform is owned by Paramount Global, which uses advertising to keep the service open to everyone.
There is no monthly fee. There is no trial that turns paid later. Commercials are the core business model, not an extra feature.
How Do Commercials Work on Pluto TV Live Channels?
Live channels on Pluto TV behave a lot like cable TV.
Here’s what that means:
- Shows run on fixed schedules
- Ad breaks appear at set times
- You can’t pause or skip ads
- Switching channels may trigger more ads
Because content streams live, ad timing is controlled by the channel, not the viewer.
How Do Ads Appear on Pluto TV On-Demand Content?
On-demand movies and shows also include commercials, but the pattern feels different.
You may see:
- A short ad before playback
- Ads during the movie or episode
- No option to skip
Ad length and placement can vary. Two people watching the same movie may see ads at slightly different moments.
How Often Do Commercials Appear on Pluto TV?
Ad frequency depends on what you watch.
Typical patterns include:
- Live TV shows ads every few minutes
- Movies break for ads several times
- Older content may show fewer ads
- Popular channels tend to have more ads
- Longer viewing sessions mean more breaks
The experience feels closer to cable than to paid streaming.
Can You Remove Commercials on Pluto TV?
No. Pluto TV does not offer a paid ad-free plan. There is no official upgrade to remove commercials.
Some users look for workarounds. These usually fail or break playback. Pluto TV streams ads directly with the content, so blocking them often stops the video.
If Pluto TV adds an ad-free option in the future, I don’t know about it.
How Pluto TV Compares to Paid Streaming Services
Paid streaming platforms charge a subscription and limit ads or remove them. Pluto TV does the opposite. It removes the price and keeps ads.
This means:
- No billing or account pressure
- No contracts
- More interruptions during viewing
Which one feels better depends on your tolerance for ads.
Is Pluto TV Worth Watching With Commercials?
For many people, yes. Pluto TV works well for background viewing, news, classic shows, and casual watching. If ads bother you during movies, it may feel frustrating.
If you want free content and don’t mind breaks, Pluto TV fits that need.
Final Answer: What Should You Expect?
Pluto TV has commercials. They appear on live channels and on-demand content. You can’t turn them off. That’s how the service stays free.
If you’re fine with ads, Pluto TV offers a lot without asking for payment. If you’re not, a paid service may suit you better.
Have you noticed differences in ad load between channels or shows? Share your experience in the comments.

