The TF1+ streaming service was released on January 8, 2024. Functional, it is also very basic in its interface, as in its options. In fact, the most interesting services are reserved for those who will pay for the premium subscription to TF1+.
Go find the audience where they are. This is the ambition that lies within the announcement, in December, of TF1+, a new streaming service run by France's leading television channel. The audiovisual giant is not unaware the continued erosion of its audience for several yearsdue to digital terrestrial television (DTT), but also the Internet.
Historically, TF1 has had a long-standing online presence. The arrival of TF1+, however, intends to mark a change in dimension for the group, with the aim of going back on the offensive in the face of competition. From there to say that TF1+ would be the future of TF1? It's probably a little too early to say. In any case, January 8, 2024 marks the debut of the platform.
In the morning it was impossible to register. The site was returning errors when filling out the form. When we succeeded, it was then the validation button that derailed. Problems resolved later, but other problems were noted in the afternoon, such as a problem with full screen reading with the Chrome browser.
Note that with the single TF1+ account, you can connect to TFOUMAX and TF1 Info with the same identifiers. The account is essential to access the videos. Also be careful of possible browser extensions. These can cause operating problems – we are thinking in particular of scripts and modules that block advertising.
TF1 is not reinventing the streaming wheel
Beyond these occasional inconveniences, TF1+ appears above all as a site which fully embraces the codes of streaming platforms. On the home page we find a large insert in which a carousel is placed which highlights the current “big” content, as well as live broadcasts from TF1 – with a visual that changes according to the current programming.
During our visit shortly after 1 p.m., we were treated to a focus on the television news, followed by a selection of a few films and series: the trilogy of Hobbit, HPI (High intellectual potential), Spider-Man Homecoming as well as Even more beautifulfrom More beautiful life. Each work is delivered with an animated sequence which serves as an extract, a common practice in SVOD.
Another feature that TF1 has adopted from its competitors: editorial selections, in addition to very classic sections (films, series, docs, news, youth, sport). We have a selection of “inspiring heroines”, another “anti-depression”, or “good vibes”, “casting++”, “between girls”. These suggestions vary depending on the section you are visiting (films, series, etc.).
For the interface, TF1 did not reinvent the wheel. If you're used to browsing platforms like Netflix or Disney+, you won't be lost. The general arrangement is similar to what is done elsewhere. It's basic and classic, but it's functional. Rather an asset, to reach both the public experienced in SVOD, but also the TF1 audience.
Two annoyances, that said: the replays and the integrals are mixed without distinction. So, when you click on content, you don't know if you will have access to certain episodes of a season or to the entire series. Furthermore, in terms of strange choices: the selection of new releases, for example on the series side, is placed in the middle of other selections, rather than at the very top.
TF1+ videos with basic settings
On the video side, we could see that the platform had no difficulty in quickly launching any video that we asked it to have. Almost no waiting time (we have fiber optic Internet access). The only oddity: we were treated to audio description in the default sound track, for the first video. A trip through the options fixed that.
The options, moreover, are basic: you can choose between French and the original language (if you are watching content produced abroad), but also audio description for the blind or visually impaired. As for the subtitles: there are in French and for the deaf and hard of hearing. You can also not activate them if you don't need them.
The platform also allows you to go forward or back ten seconds (a function which is widely used in streaming), but also to play on the reading speed (slow down or speed up). You can adjust the volume, go to full screen, go to different moments in the video (except in the case of live, where you obviously cannot exceed the current broadcast).
Around the video, there is also a description which gives information (genre, duration, release date, summary). Here, no “X-Ray” like Prime Video, which allows you to know who is on the screen when you press the pause button. One satisfactory point nonetheless: you can put videos in a favorites list to watch them later.
The best is reserved for premium TF1+
And that's all ! If you want more options, you will then have to go through “TF1++”, which is in fact the premium offer of TF1+. Billed at 5.99 euros per month, without commitment, this is where the heart of the young service's offering is concentrated, with advantages of various kinds: whether on the availability of content, reading options or even the usage experience.
For example, the package frees you from advertising and allows you to see daily broadcasts in advance. Also supported are all screens (TVs, mobiles, computers), as well as the ability to cast the program image elsewhere. It is also with this offer that new seasons are delivered in full and the reset of a live broadcast.
Some useful options, others a little more artificial, which seem to be mainly there to give the illusion of a bouquet well stocked with bonuses. There remains an undoubtedly distressing decision: that of reserving Full HD (1080p) for those who pay for TF1+ Premium, leaving others with SD quality. In 2024, at a time when the battle is mainly focused on 4K, it means being one step behind.
