Crackle

Discontinued

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2004
Developer: Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment
Pricing: Free (ad-supported)
Open source: No
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Smart TVs

Indexes

Streaming Managers

Overview

Crackle was a free ad-supported streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and original content accessible via its website and apps. It targeted users seeking no-cost entertainment options with a library spanning genres like action, comedy, drama, and horror. The service operated without requiring subscriptions or mandatory registration, though accounts enabled features like watchlists and cross-device syncing.

Key Features

Ad-supported streaming - Provides free access to content funded by periodic advertisements.
No subscription required - Watch movies and TV shows without paying or signing up.
Watchlist and resume - Account holders can save content and resume playback across devices.
Genre-based browsing - Organize content by categories including action, comedy, horror, and classics.
Original programming - Offers exclusive shows and content not available elsewhere.
Multi-device sync - Syncs viewing progress and lists between web, mobile, and TV apps.
Regular content updates - Adds new movies and episodes weekly.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free Plan	Free	Unlimited ad-supported streaming of movies, TV shows, and originals; optional account for watchlists.

Platforms & Requirements

Available on web browsers, iOS and Android apps, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and select smart TVs. No specific minimum requirements beyond standard device capabilities. Service discontinued in 2024, apps and site no longer functional.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Roku channel
Amazon Fire TV app
Apple TV app
Android TV
Chromecast support
Google Play Movies compatibility

Alternatives

App	Difference
Pluto TV	Offers live linear channels alongside on-demand content, unlike Crackle's purely on-demand model.
Tubi	Larger content library with more recent titles and fewer ads for registered users.
The Roku Channel	Integrated with Roku devices, providing free live TV and originals not focused on Crackle's genre depth.
Peacock Free	Includes some premium NBC content in free tier with ads, broader mainstream appeal.

Reputation

Crackle was recognized as a reliable free streaming option with a solid selection of older movies and niche originals, praised for no-cost access and ease of use. Users appreciated the lack of mandatory sign-up but criticized frequent ads and dated content library. Following its 2024 shutdown, it's remembered as a pioneer in ad-supported streaming but limited by content licensing issues.

Sources (10)