As WatchFree+ Surges as the No. 2 Ad-Supported Watched Streaming Service, VIZIO Launches Next Slate of Features Channels

Rhea-AI Summary

VIZIO (NYSE: VZIO) has seen significant success with its reimagined WatchFree+ streaming service, now the second-most-watched ad-supported app. The service features over 250 channels and 5,000 titles across 13 genres, driven by VIZIO's Inscape data insights.

To enhance user engagement, VIZIO is launching three new exclusive channels, including Kick Back, Love Always, and Cinema Selects. In addition, VIZIO has expanded its offerings to include ad-supported video on demand, adding to the service's growing popularity.

Positive

• WatchFree+ becomes the second-most-watched ad-supported streaming app.
• Introduction of three new exclusive channels to enhance user engagement.
• Expanded offerings with over 5,000 titles in ad-supported video on demand, broadening content variety.

Negative

• None.

Exclusive Data-Informed Thematic Channels Prove a Strong Catalyst for Increased Consumption

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Just eight months after going live, the VIZIO (NYSE: VZIO) reimagined WatchFree+ free streaming service has established itself as a major hit with viewers. The cable-like FAST service is now the second-most-watched ad-supported streaming app on VIZIO.

Driving this momentum are more than 250 premium channels and 5,000 movies and shows spanning 13 content genres, from news, movies and sports to kids and family, music and reality. Discovery for all the channels is fueled by Inscape, VIZIO’s rich, glass-level data which provides insights into what people like to watch. That data also powers VIZIO Features, the curated program offering which is among the most watched on the WatchFree+ Platform.

To build on the success of Features, VIZIO, which controls 100% of ad inventory for curated channels, is rolling out three new channels exclusive to VIZIO audiences. Based on in-demand content categories and tentpole programming, the new offering includes:

• Kick Back — 24/7 action and adventure TV shows and movies
• Love Always — non-stop romantic comedies timed with Valentine's Day
• Cinema Selects — featuring award nominated and winning films to commemorate award season

“VIZIO Features deliver more of what our audiences love - across genres,” said Steve DeMain, VP Engagement at VIZIO. “And because we focus on content that viewers want, each channel represents an opportunity for advertisers to connect with these audiences in a highly engaged environment and for content partners to generate new revenue opportunities with VIZIO.”

Since October 2021, VIZIO has introduced 11 curated Features channels in the top-trending categories of food and travel, true crime, esports and video games, sci-fi, horror, hip hop, action, holidays, and more.

VIZIO is now adding pop-up channels to the mix following the success of holiday-themed programming that drove a 3x increase in hours watched during the months of November and December and made VIZIO’s Holiday offering the most watched channel on WatchFree+.

This past December, VIZIO expanded WatchFree+ to include ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) programming, with more than 5,000 titles including popular movies and TV shows from over 17 major and indie studios to deliver something for everyone.

WatchFree+ live and on demand programming is available on all VIZIO Smart TVs. For more information visit https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus.

About VIZIO

Founded and headquartered in Orange County, California, our mission at VIZIO Holding Corp. (NYSE: VZIO) is to deliver immersive entertainment and compelling lifestyle enhancements that make our products the center of the connected home. We are driving the future of televisions through our integrated platform of cutting-edge Smart TVs and powerful VIZIO operating system. We also offer a portfolio of innovative sound bars that deliver consumers an elevated audio experience. Our platform gives content providers more ways to distribute their content and advertisers more tools to target and dynamically serve ads.

For more information, visit VIZIO.com and follow VIZIO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220315005644/en/

Press Contact for VIZIO

Fabric Media

Melissa Hourigan

720-608-1919

viziovip@fabricmedia.net

Source: VIZIO Holding Corp

FAQ

What is VIZIO's new streaming service WatchFree+?

VIZIO's WatchFree+ is a free streaming service featuring over 250 channels and 5,000 titles across various genres.

When did WatchFree+ launch?

WatchFree+ reimagined service went live eight months before the press release.

What are the new channels being added to WatchFree+?

The new channels include Kick Back, Love Always, and Cinema Selects.

How has VIZIO expanded its WatchFree+ service recently?

VIZIO expanded WatchFree+ by introducing ad-supported video on demand programming with more than 5,000 titles.

What impact has holiday-themed programming had on VIZIO's WatchFree+?

Holiday-themed programming resulted in a 3x increase in hours watched, making it the most-watched channel on WatchFree+.