[blamazon]

> In 2019, Plex launched an ad-supported streaming service of movies, television shows and music that is accessible from its applications. [1]

Advertising, and operating their own streaming service, presumably involves business partnerships with entities that may not look fondly on self-hosting?

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plex_Inc.

[urbandw311er]

I think this is closer to the real reason.

They’re doing it as part of a charm offensive to partner with content creators.

[Woshiwuja]

I think you got it