Most people think grocery delivery apps are just for buying milk and toilet paper. But if you’re signed up for Walmart+, Instacart+, or DashPass, you’re already paying for something way more valuable: free streaming. No extra subscription. No hidden fees. Just access to movies, shows, and live TV-right through services you’re already using.
What Walmart+ Actually Gives You
Walmart+ launched in 2021 as a $98/year membership. At first, it looked like a basic delivery perk: free shipping on orders over $35, fuel discounts, and scan-and-go in-store. But in 2024, Walmart quietly added a streaming layer. Now, every Walmart+ member gets access to Vudu, Walmart’s own movie and TV platform.
Vudu isn’t just a small library. It offers over 200,000 titles, including 4K UHD movies, live sports channels like ESPN and TNT, and original series. You can watch on your TV, phone, or tablet. No ads. No pay-per-view fees. If you already pay for Walmart+, you’re getting a $129/year streaming service for free.
Here’s the catch: you need to link your Walmart+ account to Vudu. Once you do, your watch history syncs across devices. You can pick up where you left off on your phone, then switch to your living room TV. No extra logins. No confusion.
Instacart+ and the Hidden Streaming Benefit
Instacart+ costs $99/year. It promises free delivery, lower service fees, and priority delivery slots. But few people know that since late 2023, Instacart+ members get free access to Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service owned by AMC Networks.
Shudder isn’t just scary movies. It includes cult classics, international horror, true-crime documentaries, and exclusive series like The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs. It’s the kind of niche content you’d normally pay $7.99/month for.
How does it work? Log into your Instacart account. Go to the ‘Perks’ section. Click ‘Activate Shudder.’ You’ll get a direct link to sign up. No credit card needed. No trial period. Instant access. You can cancel Instacart+ anytime, and your Shudder access ends with it. But if you’re already using Instacart for groceries, this is pure bonus.
DashPass: More Than Just Free Delivery
DoorDash’s DashPass has been around since 2019. It’s $9.99/month or $95/year. It cuts delivery fees and waives service charges. But here’s what DoorDash doesn’t scream about: since 2024, DashPass members get free access to Pluto TV.
Pluto TV is one of the largest free ad-supported streaming services in the U.S. It has over 250 live channels-everything from classic TV reruns like Seinfeld and Friends, to news, sports, and even anime. You can watch it on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or your phone. No sign-up. No password. Just open the Pluto TV app, and your DashPass login automatically grants access.
Some users report that after linking their DashPass, Pluto TV’s recommendations change. They start seeing more food-related content-cooking shows, restaurant documentaries, and travel series. It’s not a coincidence. DoorDash is using your grocery and takeout habits to personalize your streaming experience.
Why This Works: The Business Logic
These companies aren’t giving away streaming for charity. They’re trying to keep you from canceling.
Think about it. You’re already paying for grocery delivery. Why would you cancel that? But if you had to pay separately for streaming, you might cut one or the other. By bundling streaming, they turn a service you might cancel into a habit you can’t afford to lose.
It’s smart. Walmart knows you watch movies on weekends. Instacart knows you binge horror shows during late-night snack runs. DoorDash knows you scroll through food videos while waiting for your order. They’re not just delivering groceries-they’re delivering entertainment.
The result? You’re not just a customer. You’re a viewer. And once you’re watching, you’re more likely to order again.
How to Set It All Up
Here’s how to unlock each one:
- Walmart+: Log into your account at walmart.com. Go to ‘Walmart+ Benefits.’ Click ‘Vudu’ and follow the link to activate. Use the same email as your Walmart+ account.
- Instacart+: Open the app. Tap your profile icon. Select ‘Perks.’ Find ‘Shudder’ and tap ‘Activate.’ You’ll be redirected to sign up. No payment required.
- DashPass: Open the DoorDash app. Go to ‘Account’ > ‘DashPass Benefits.’ Tap ‘Pluto TV.’ The app will open Pluto TV directly. You’re in.
Pro tip: Use the same email for all three services. That way, you can manage everything in one place. No need to remember five different passwords.
Who Benefits the Most?
If you’re already using one of these services, you’re already saving money. But here’s who wins big:
- College students: Paying $15/month for Netflix? With DashPass and Walmart+, you get two streaming services for the price of one delivery subscription.
- Families: Kids want cartoons. Adults want true crime. With Vudu, Shudder, and Pluto TV, you cover every genre without buying multiple subscriptions.
- Seniors: Many don’t want to juggle apps. With one membership, they get groceries delivered and free TV-no tech skills needed.
Even if you don’t order groceries every week, the streaming perks make these memberships worth it. You’re not paying for delivery-you’re paying for entertainment.
The Bigger Picture
This trend isn’t going away. Grocery delivery is becoming the new cable TV. Why? Because people want convenience. And convenience isn’t just about speed-it’s about value.
Companies like Walmart, Instacart, and DoorDash aren’t competing just on delivery fees anymore. They’re competing on what else they can give you. Streaming is the next frontier. And right now, you can get it for free if you’re already signed up.
Don’t think of these memberships as grocery perks. Think of them as entertainment bundles. You’re not spending more-you’re getting more.
Do I need to pay extra to get streaming with Walmart+, Instacart+, or DashPass?
No. The streaming services-Vudu, Shudder, and Pluto TV-are included at no extra cost if you already have Walmart+, Instacart+, or DashPass. You just need to activate them through your account dashboard.
Can I use these streaming services on multiple devices?
Yes. All three services-Vudu, Shudder, and Pluto TV-work on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming boxes like Roku or Fire Stick. You can log in on up to five devices at once with no extra fees.
What if I cancel my membership? Do I lose access to the streaming?
Yes. The streaming access is tied directly to your active membership. If you cancel Walmart+, Instacart+, or DashPass, your access to Vudu, Shudder, or Pluto TV will end. You won’t be charged separately, but you’ll need to resubscribe to regain access.
Are there ads on these streaming services?
Vudu and Shudder are ad-free for members. Pluto TV is ad-supported, like free TV, but it’s still free to watch with your membership. The ads are limited and don’t interrupt movies or shows excessively.
Can I share my streaming access with family members?
Yes. All three services allow multiple users under the same account. You can create profiles for kids or partners. But remember: sharing your account doesn’t extend the benefit to others unless they’re part of your household and use your login.