VIZIO announces expanded content offering with VIZIO features
October 20, 2021
VIZIO has announced a slate of new content available through its VIZIO Features offering, including a series of custom-curated channels on the rapidly growing WatchFree+ streaming service.
VIZIO Features is an exclusive content offering that leverages first party viewership data and homescreen targeting capabilities to deliver personalized content experiences to audiences via free ad-supported channels, movies, and shows across the VIZIO SmartCast operating system.
On the heels of the success of VIZIO’s first curated offerings, Fork & Flight and Investigation, VIZIO is expanding the Features offering to include a wider selection of content genres. The creation of these channels is part of VIZIO’s ongoing commitment to deliver more of what audiences want.
The addition of these curated channels featuring exclusive content marks VIZIO’s latest evolution as an end-to-end content provider, leveraging its unique first-party viewership data, historically used to serve the most relevant ads, to now curate and deliver the most relevant programming as well.
‘Features’ themes and programming are selected based on what viewers have shown the greatest interest in across millions of SmartCast devices. The result is a free, curated experience that allows viewers to quickly and easily find the content they love most with bingeable back-to-back programming.
“Features is a good business model for VIZIO because it solves problems for viewers, advertisers and content partners alike,” said Steve DeMain, VP Engagement at VIZIO. “Our Features programming strategy delivers more of what our viewers love across multiple genres. And by developing these passionate audiences, we are not only building great sponsorship opportunities for brands, but we are also helping our content partners generate new revenue with VIZIO.”
In the coming months, VIZIO will expand its VIZIO Features offering with new channels and experiences focused on home & DIY, holidays, live concerts, naturescape programming, and more.
Creating More Value in the Ecosystem
For content creators and media companies, curated channels offered as a part of VIZIO Features create an additional distribution touchpoint across WatchFree+ audiences, providing even greater reach. Inclusion alongside other similar content allows content creators and distributors to find and build new audiences while creating an additional revenue stream, and offers even more insight into what content resonates best with WatchFree+ audiences.
VIZIO Features provides VIZIO Ads customers with expanded advertising opportunities and branded content solutions while delivering premium entertainment to millions of viewers who choose VIZIO SmartCast as the first stop in their streaming journey. VIZIO Features are driving higher CPMs and offer advertisers unique ways to reach viewers, including in-program video ads, banner ads and branded channel sponsorship opportunities. Major brands including Microsoft, Grey Goose, Freshworks, and Cracker Barrel have already worked with VIZIO Ads to realize the value of advertising in the VIZIO Features environment.
“VIZIO’s Features option is a win-win-win for everyone navigating CTV advertising investments,” said Freshworks CMO Stacey Epstein. “Viewers get access to programming customized to their tastes, and brands get a new and innovative advertising format to reach them. We couldn’t wait to jump at the chance to participate.”
VIZIO executives and launch partner Polaris, will discuss the opportunities for brands during a breakfast session today at Advertising Week in New York.