Compared to many of the other streaming services on the market, HBO Max is still a relatively new option. Now, the streaming platform will let Snapchat users stream episodes for free, in a bid to increase subscribers.

HBO Max to Offer Free Shows on Snapchat

As announced in a press release, HBO Max is officially partnering with Snap to offer free episodes to US Snapchat users. Through the Snapchat app, users will be able to access select episodes of HBO Max's original content for free, and without needing to sign up.

In the announcement, HBO Max explained it would regularly update the content available on Snapchat. Only one or two episodes of each of series will be available. At launch, users will be able to watch:

  • Craftopia
  • Euphoria
  • The Flight Attendant
  • Game of Thrones
  • Genera+ion
  • Gossip Girl
  • Looney Tunes
  • Love Life
  • Lovecraft Country
  • Selena + Chef
  • Titans,
  • Warrior
  • World of Calm
  • Betty

Related: Which Streaming Service Offers the Best Original Content?

HBO Max hasn't officially explained why it is offering some of its content to Snapchat users for free, but we have a pretty good idea. HBO Max is still a relatively new streaming platform, and has a bit of a reputation for not being particularly good. It's likely that HBO Max's latest move is aiming to attract new subscribers to the platform.

Snapchat users can co-watch each of the shows with up to 63 friends, by sending a chat message with a link to join the Snap Mini. As with other shareable content, each users' playback will sync with the others'. Interestingly, users will still be able to access chat to share thoughts about the content, without stopping playback.

How Can I Watch HBO Max Episodes on Snapchat?

HBO Max's free episodes are available to stream through the Snap Mini section of Snapchat. For those that don't know Snap Mini allows third-party apps to offer mini versions of their app built-in to Snapchat.

To use the new feature, Snapchat users need to head to HBO Max's Snap Mini. Users can do this using the rocket icon that appears within any chat, or by using the app's built-in search.

Screenshots of HBO Max's new section in Snapchat.
Image Credit: HBO Max

Viewers will be asked to enter the birthday before accessing the episodes, to adhere to age restrictions. Once inside HBO Max's Snap Mini, users will be able to choose episodes to watch inside Snapchat, just like a normal streaming app.

At the end of episodes, users will see an option to visit HBO Max's website or app and sign up for the service, so they can continue to watch the series.

HBO Max Aims for New Subscribers

HBO Max's new promotion with Snapchat shows that the streaming platform is trying to reach new subscribers.

However, since Snapchat's core userbase is made up by Gen Z users, the platform may run into problems recruiting new subscribers. Not many kids can sign up to a streaming service, after all.