Seznam.cz launches ad-free subscription for its services

Seznam.cz, the largest Czech internet company and operator of the most visited websites, has launched a new subscription plan called "Seznam without ads". This plan removes display, video, and audio ads. The service, which costs 179 Kč per month (about €7), replaces the existing Seznam Premium and expands its features.

While Seznam without ads hides most forms of advertising, users will still see ads in search results, commercial content created in partnership with other brands, and Seznam Native ads. Additionally, audio ads embedded in podcasts' soundtracks will continue to play.

This subscription plan applies to more than 20 Seznam websites, including the homepage, Email.cz, Mapy.cz, and Sreality.cz. However, Seznam Brand Studio content and some ads in search results will still be displayed.

Ads will remain part of search results through the Sklik platform. Seznam explained: "Removing relevant ads from search results would reduce their usefulness. We believe these ads contribute to a better user experience."

The subscription can be purchased via the Seznam website or through the Seznam Account settings under the "Advertising and Personalization" tab. It will also be offered when users are asked to consent to data processing for ad targeting purposes.

"When users choose Seznam without ads, we stop collecting their data for ad targeting," noted Jiří Udatný, director of Identity and User Profile division. According to the subscription terms, users' rejection of non-essential cookies and related data processing will remain in effect unless they choose to modify their settings. Only technical cookies required for the functioning of Seznam’s services will be used.

Seznam without ads replaces Seznam Premium, which previously allowed users to watch videos without ads for 29 Kč (around €1) per month. Current Seznam Premium subscribers can continue using the service at this price until their subscription ends.

Seznam has also reduced the price of its "Seznam without targeted ads" plan, introduced in May, from 79 Kč (€3) to 49 Kč (€2) per month. This plan allows users to block cookies used for personalized ads. In the future, Seznam plans to introduce "linked accounts" for families, enabling up to four accounts to use Seznam without targeted ads for 49 Kč per month.