*Updated with new information on Vidgo's subscription pricing
Vidgo has enlisted ad buying platform Crackle Connex to exclusively represent the virtual MVPD’s advertising sales and operations in the U.S.
Crackle Connex is a new platform launched last week by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. According to the company, Crackle Connex aims to simplify the buying process for AVOD and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) networks. It also touts access to nearly 10,000 digital out-of-home screens and over 20 third party ad supply partners.
For Vidgo’s part, it’s leveraging Crackle Connex’s advertising partnerships to help brands buy across over 200 channels. The vMVPD of late has been expanding its distribution, launching last month on millions of Sony smart TVs across the U.S.
Vidgo offers four plans for its live TV lineup, including Vidgo Mas, a Spanish-language package that costs $40 per month. The service in December combined its English and Spanish-language plans into a new offering – Vidgo Ultimate – featuring around 200 channels for $100 per month.
“Vidgo provides great value to viewers looking for general entertainment and sports and an important Spanish-language offering,” said Philippe Guelton, CRO at Crackle Connex, in a statement. “Our team is proud to become their exclusive advertising sales arm and support their future growth.”
Vidgo's partnership with Crackle Connex comes as the service disclosed price increases for its Vidgo Plus and Vidgo Premium subscriptions. Vidgo Plus, the base English-language package, has increased from $65 to $70 per month, while the Premium plan also saw a $5 increase from $80 to $85 per month. This marks the second price hike this year for Vidgo Plus, which previously rose from $60 to $65 monthly.
Vidgo CEO Derek Mattsson stated Crackle Connex has the expertise and skills “to bring Vidgo many new advertisers as we prepare for rapid growth.”
“The Crackle Connex platform magnifies the opportunity by simplifying the buying process with measurement and performance tracking that will help advertisers and agencies connect with the audiences more effectively," said Mattsson.
In the coming weeks, Chicken Soup for the Soul plans to introduce new features for Crackle Connex, including technologies that provide advanced measurement and customer interaction.
Chicken Soup for the Soul owns and operates an AVOD service by the same name, the Crackle streaming services, as well as video rental business Redbox, which Chicken Soup acquired last year for $375 million.
When reporting Q4 earnings at the end of March, the company said its owned-and-operated platforms reached an average of 60 million monthly active users in the past three months.