Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Crackle Plus Signs Agreement to Launch Crackle App on Smart TVs Powered by Vewd

Rhea-AI Summary

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) announced a new agreement to launch the Crackle app on Vewd-powered Smart TVs and devices. This partnership allows Crackle to reach nearly 40 million connected devices annually, enhancing access to its diverse content, including popular films and original productions. Vewd is a leading provider of OTT solutions, powering devices from major brands like Sony and Hisense. The collaboration aims to meet rising consumer demand for AVOD services, further solidifying Crackle’s position in the competitive streaming market.

Positive

• New agreement with Vewd enhances distribution of Crackle app on 40 million connected devices.
• Increased access to a vast library of content, including original programs and blockbuster films.
• Partnership positions Crackle to meet growing consumer demand for AVOD services.

Negative

• None.

        As Part of the Agreement, Crackle App Will Come Pre-Loaded on Vewd-Powered Smart TVS and Devices

COS COB, Conn., March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced Crackle Plus signed an agreement to launch the Crackle app on Smart TVs and set-top boxes powered by Vewd, the leading provider of OTT and hybrid TV solutions. Shipping on almost 40 million connected TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, and cars each year, Vewd powers the app store, home screen, and promotion experiences on such brands as Sony, Hisense, Vestel, Vodafone, Swisscom, as well as many others.

At launch, Crackle content will be available to customers in the U.S on TVs powered by Vewd’s software. As a result, customers will gain access to Crackle’s extensive library of blockbuster film titles and classic TV series as well as a growing list of original and exclusive programming that uplifts, entertains, and inspires audiences such as Playing With Power: The Nintendo Story, After the Murder of Albert Lima, Breaking Beauty, Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story, Robert the Bruce, Spides, Anything is Possible: The Serge Ibaka Story, Road to Race Day, The Clearing, Insomnia, and Going From Broke, which recently commenced production for its second season.

Vewd’s software not only powers the app store experience for their customers, but also enables programmatic promotion of content from dozens of streaming video entertainment apps. Vewd was founded in 2002, and has shipped its streaming software on more than 350 million devices to date..

President of Crackle Plus Philippe Guelton said, “Crackle is thrilled to partner with Vewd to open the door for their customers to our expanding collection of Originals and Exclusives, as well as our ever-changing library of studio films, docu-series, sports content, and classic TV shows.”

“Consumers are increasingly turning to AVOD services like Crackle to meet their on-demand content needs,” said Aneesh Rajaram, CEO of Vewd. “Now with the Crackle app on Vewd-enabled devices, our customers can keep up with consumer demand and deliver some of the world’s best blockbuster film titles and classic TV series out the gate.”

Crackle Plus linear and VOD networks are available in the U.S. and can be accessed on 29 devices and services including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

CRACKLE PLUS, A CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
Crackle Plus owns and operates ad-supported VOD networks Crackle and Popcornflix and garners 50 million streams of its movies and TV shows per month, making it one of the largest AVOD streaming platforms in the U.S. Crackle Plus has over 80,000 hours of content available across all its networks, and premieres at least one original and one exclusive program each month, differentiating it from other AVODs. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) owns Crackle Plus and also acquires and distributes video content through its Screen Media subsidiary and produces original long and short-form content through Landmark Studio Group, its Chicken Soup for the Soul Originals division and APlus.com. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, which publishes the famous book series and produces super-premium pet food under the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand name.

VEWD
Vewd is the leading provider of OTT and hybrid TV solutions, shipping on almost 40 million connected TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, and cars each year. Our suite of products and services simplify complexity and offer solutions that unite the entire content delivery value chain, from silicon vendors to end-users. Market leaders such as Sony, Hisense, TPV, Vodafone, Sagemcom, and many more rely on Vewd products and services.
Follow us, as we make TV connected. Visit Vewd.com to learn more.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks (including those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020) and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Investors should realize that if our underlying assumptions for the projections contained herein prove inaccurate or that known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Taylor Krafchik
Ellipsis
csse@ellipsisir.com
(646) 776-0886

MEDIA CONTACT
Kate Barrette
RooneyPartners LLC
kbarrette@rooneyco.com
(212) 223-0561

FAQ

What is the significance of the Crackle app launching on Vewd-powered devices?

This launch increases Crackle's reach to nearly 40 million connected devices, enhancing visibility and accessibility to its extensive content library.

When was the agreement between Crackle Plus and Vewd announced?

The agreement was announced on March 10, 2021.

How does the partnership with Vewd affect Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment?

The partnership allows Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSE) to expand its audience reach and strengthen its position in the AVOD market.

What types of content can viewers access through the Crackle app on Vewd devices?

Viewers can access blockbuster films, classic TV series, and a growing list of original programming on the Crackle app.

What companies does Vewd provide services to?

Vewd provides services to major brands such as Sony, Hisense, Vestel, and Vodafone, among others.