If you’ve ever wanted to give someone the gift of endless movies, shows, and originals - without the hassle of buying physical gifts - Paramount+ gift subscriptions are the smartest move. But here’s the thing: most people don’t know how to actually save money on them. Promo codes are out there. Special deals pop up regularly. And if you time it right, you can lock in a year of Paramount+ for less than the price of a few movie tickets.
How Paramount+ Gift Subscriptions Work
Paramount+ lets you buy a gift subscription that sends the recipient an email with a redemption link. They don’t need a code - just click, sign in (or create an account), and start streaming. The gift lasts for either one month or one year. You pick the length, pay upfront, and they get full access to everything: live CBS, Paramount Pictures films, Nickelodeon, MTV, Showtime (included in the Premium plan), and original series like 1883, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Mayor of Kingstown.
There’s no auto-renewal on gift subscriptions. That’s important. If you give someone a one-year gift, they’ll keep streaming for 365 days - then it stops. No surprise charges. No confusion. They can choose to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime after the gift ends.
You can buy gift subscriptions directly from Paramount+’s website. Go to the Gift section, pick the plan (Essential or Premium), enter the recipient’s email, add a personal message, and pay with any major card. It’s simple. No app needed. No login required on your end.
Where to Find Real Paramount+ Promo Codes
Let’s cut through the noise. Most sites claiming to have “Paramount+ promo codes” are fake. They’re clickbait. They show you codes that don’t work. But real discounts? They exist - just not where you think.
Here’s where to look:
- Paramount+’s own homepage - Scroll to the bottom. They often run limited-time offers like “First month for $1.99” or “Get 3 months free with annual plan.”
- Apple and Google Play - If you subscribe through the App Store or Google Play, you sometimes get exclusive deals. For example, Apple occasionally offers 3 months free for new users.
- Verizon Wireless - Verizon customers get Paramount+ Premium free for up to 12 months with select unlimited plans. This isn’t a promo code - it’s a carrier perk.
- Amazon Prime - Amazon sometimes bundles Paramount+ with Prime Video Channels at a discount. Check “Add-ons” under your Prime account.
- Student discounts - If you’re in college, verify your student status through UNiDAYS. Paramount+ offers 25% off the Premium plan.
There’s no universal promo code like “SAVE50” that works for everyone. Any site selling “Paramount+ codes” for $5 is a scam. Real discounts come from official partners or direct promotions.
How to Save the Most on Paramount+
Want to stretch your dollar? Here’s how the smartest viewers do it.
Buy annual plans during Black Friday or New Year’s. That’s when Paramount+ drops its deepest discounts. In 2024, they offered the Premium plan at $59.99/year - down from $119.99. That’s half price. If you’re buying a gift, wait until December. The deals start rolling out around December 1.
Combine gift subscriptions with free trials. If you’re not sure someone will like it, buy a 1-month gift. Then, if they love it, they can sign up for a paid plan using their own email - and if a new user promo pops up, they might get another free month.
Use family sharing. Paramount+ allows up to 5 simultaneous streams. One annual gift subscription can cover a whole household. That’s cheaper than five individual subscriptions.
Check your credit card perks. Some American Express, Chase, or Bank of America cards offer streaming service credits. If you have one, log into your rewards portal. You might find $10-$15 in streaming credits that can cover a month of Paramount+.
Gift vs. Direct Subscription: Which Is Better?
Here’s the breakdown:
| Feature | Gift Subscription | Direct Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays? | You (the giver) | The user |
| Auto-renewal? | No | Yes (unless canceled) |
| Plan options | 1-month or 1-year | Monthly, yearly, or bundle deals |
| Can you cancel? | Yes - before it starts | Yes - anytime |
| Best for | Gifts, surprise access, no commitment | Long-term use, max savings |
If you’re buying for someone who doesn’t stream often, go with the gift. If you’re planning to use it yourself for the long haul, sign up directly during a sale.
What You Can Watch on Paramount+
Don’t just buy it because it’s cheap. Make sure the content matters. Paramount+ has over 30,000 titles. Here’s what’s actually worth watching:
- Originals: Star Trek: Discovery, Yellowstone (prequels and spinoffs), NCIS: Origins, Evil
- Movies: New releases like Mission: Impossible 8, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and classics like The Godfather Part II and Goodfellas
- Live TV: CBS live streams, local news, sports (NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, NCAA)
- Kids: All of Nickelodeon - PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, Blue’s Clues
- Classic TV: Seinfeld, Friends (on Paramount+ in the U.S.), How I Met Your Mother
If you or the recipient loves CBS shows, reality TV, or sci-fi, Paramount+ is a no-brainer. If you’re mostly into Netflix originals or Disney+ movies, it’s not worth it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People make the same errors over and over. Don’t be one of them.
- Buying a gift during a sale but not checking the recipient’s region. Paramount+ content varies by country. A U.S. gift won’t work for someone in Ireland. Make sure the recipient is in a supported country.
- Assuming promo codes work on gift purchases. Promo codes apply only to direct sign-ups. You can’t use a discount code when buying a gift subscription.
- Waiting too long to give the gift. Gift emails expire after 90 days. Send it early so they don’t miss out.
- Not checking device compatibility. Paramount+ works on Roku, Apple TV, Android, iOS, and smart TVs - but not older models. Make sure their TV or streaming box supports it.
What to Do If the Gift Doesn’t Work
It happens. Maybe the email went to spam. Maybe they got confused. Here’s how to fix it:
- Ask them to check their spam folder - gift emails often land there.
- Have them go to paramountplus.com/gift and click “Redeem Gift.”
- If they still can’t access it, contact Paramount+ support. They’ll resend the email or manually activate the subscription.
- Keep your purchase receipt. You’ll need the order ID if you need to dispute or refund.
Most issues are solved within 24 hours. Paramount+ support is responsive and doesn’t make you jump through hoops.
Final Tip: The Best Time to Buy
Right now - December 12, 2025 - is one of the best times of the year to buy a Paramount+ gift. The holiday rush is on. Deals are active. People are looking for last-minute presents. You can still get a 1-year Premium gift for under $60 if you act fast.
Don’t wait until Christmas Eve. Once the holidays hit, prices rise and deals vanish. Lock in your gift now. Send it with a note: “Here’s your new binge-watching escape.” They’ll thank you for months.
Can I use a promo code when buying a Paramount+ gift subscription?
No, promo codes cannot be applied to gift subscriptions. They only work when signing up directly through the Paramount+ website or app. Gift purchases are priced at fixed rates: $5.99/month or $9.99/month for the Premium plan, or $59.99/year for the annual gift. If you want to use a discount, buy a direct subscription instead.
Can someone in Ireland use a U.S. Paramount+ gift subscription?
No. Paramount+ is region-locked. A gift subscription purchased in the U.S. will only work for users with a U.S.-based account and payment method. If the recipient is in Ireland, they must sign up through Paramount+’s international service, which has different pricing and content. There’s no way to transfer a U.S. gift to an international account.
How long does a Paramount+ gift subscription last?
Paramount+ gift subscriptions last either one month or one year, depending on what you choose when purchasing. Once the time period ends, access stops automatically. There’s no renewal or billing unless the recipient signs up for their own paid plan after the gift expires.
Is Paramount+ worth it if I already have Netflix and Disney+?
It depends on what you watch. If you love CBS shows like NCIS, Yellowstone, or Star Trek, or want live sports like NFL games on CBS, then yes. Paramount+ adds content you won’t find elsewhere. But if you’re only watching Marvel, Pixar, or Netflix originals, it’s redundant. Use it as a supplement - not a replacement.
Can I cancel a Paramount+ gift subscription after buying it?
Yes - but only if the gift hasn’t been redeemed yet. Once the recipient claims it, you can’t cancel or get a refund. If you change your mind before they open the email, log into your Paramount+ account, go to your purchase history, and request a refund. You’ll get your money back within 3-5 business days.