Creator discovery platform Jellysmack has struck a deal with The Roku Channel to launch two channels programmed with content curated from 17 of its top-performing talents, including Brad Mondo, Stephanie Soo and LaurDIY. The pact sees The Roku Channel offering two FAST linear channels: the lifestyle-themed Hello Inspo and true crime forum Mysteria. The two new Roku FAST channels are an expansion of Jellysmack’s creator program, which uses artificial intelligence to identify promising creators and distribute their content to multiple platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest and TikTok, among others. Continue reading Jellysmack Pacts with Roku on Channels for Creator Content

For years, Viacom didn’t move decisively into the digital arena, but chief executive Bob Bakish changed that in 2017 when he hired digital media executive Kelly Day to head Viacom Digital Studios in leading MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central and other youth-oriented properties. With her team of 400+ employees, Day has created new original series for different platforms and led the purchase of Awesomeness. In February 2019, Tubular Labs ranked Viacom No. 9 for online video views, up from No. 24 in October 2017. Continue reading Viacom Digital Eyes Streaming to Target Younger Audience

At the Digital Content NewFronts West marketing event, October 9-10 in Los Angeles, premium content producers demonstrated how they are trying to attract and maintain viewers. In addition to offering podcasts, shoppable videos and smart speakers, producers are moving away from ads that interrupt programming, mainly because viewers simply won’t tolerate commercials, not even 30-second pre-rolls. A study revealed that those viewers who do watch mainly ad-supported OTT video are younger and typically earn higher income. Continue reading Digital Content NewFronts West Reveals Advertising Trends