The Ad Free Tier gives you the full experience of The Short Film Show — unlimited short-film viewing, HD quality and no advertising.
This guide explains what the viewing limit means, what happens when you reach it, and what changes once you upgrade.
1. The Free Viewing Limit
Every viewer starts with a free account that includes up to 30 minutes of short-film viewing each month.
That limit resets automatically at the start of each new month.
The limit allows new viewers to explore and helps us keep access free for everyone.
When you approach the 30-minute mark, a message will appear in the player showing how much time you have left.
After reaching the limit, playback stops and you’ll be invited to upgrade.
2. What You See as a Free Viewer
Free accounts include short pre-roll and post-roll adverts.
You will never see an advert during a film.
Ads are designed to be brief and relevant, and they help support both the platform and the filmmakers featured on it.
While using a free account, playback is delivered in standard definition to ensure reliable streaming on any connection.
3. Upgrading to the Ad Free Tier
When you choose to upgrade, access is unlocked immediately.
You can refresh the page or reopen the app and continue watching without limits.
How to Upgrade
- Select Upgrade to Ad Free Tier in the message that appears after your viewing time runs out, or go to My Account → Upgrade.
- Choose your plan — Ad-Free Experience (£5.99/month or £58/year) or Showcase+ (£9.99/month or £96/year) — billed monthly or yearly.
- Confirm payment — and you’re ready to continue watching.
Your account will update right away across all your devices.
4. Choosing Your Plan
There are two paid plans. Both remove ads and unlock unlimited watching — Showcase+ adds the highest quality and extra features.
Ad-Free Experience — £5.99/month or £58/year
- Unlimited watching — no time limits
- No ads — pre-roll and post-roll removed
- HD streaming up to 1080p
- Continue Watching across devices
- Curated playlists and Behind the Scenes extras
- Tip Jar to support creators directly
Showcase+ — £9.99/month or £96/year
- Everything in Ad-Free Experience
- Streaming up to 4K, where available
- Offline downloads
- Personalised recommendations and filmmaker interviews
- Early and exclusive access to new releases
These benefits are active instantly after payment and remain available for the length of your subscription.
5. Returning to Free Access
If you cancel your Ad Free Tier subscription, your account simply returns to the free level at the end of your billing period.
You’ll still be able to browse films and watch up to 30 minutes per month with ads.
Your likes and account details remain saved.