Ad-supported video on-demand service Crackle Plus has launched an upgraded app and user interface for Roku streaming devices, which it said reflects drastic improvements for the user experience.
Crackle, an AVOD owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, touted an all-new design that delivers more intuitive browsing. Upgrades feature a new navigation menu meant to simplify discovery, making it easier for users to find free TV shows and movies within the service.
Crackle improved app search capabilities and also enhanced the catalog browsing experience to decrease scrolling fatigue. Crackle users on Roku are also getting an updated video player with easier-to-use controls.
The redesign for Roku devices brings a better experience to a large majority of Crackle’s total audience – 85%, according to the streaming service. Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus, noted in a statement that Roku devices have historically been a large share of the streamer’s audience.
“We are now presenting our premium content offering into a totally redesigned and faster loading experience, which has proven to deliver higher engagement and user loyalty with each new app release,” Guelton stated.
The new updates for Roku users follow the launch of a revamped version of the Crackle app on Amazon Fire TV in May. That refresh touted faster load times for the app, along with an autoplay feature and personalized content recommendation tool.
Crackle Plus is also available on Apple TV and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, on gaming consoles PS4 and Xbox, Plex, and iOS and Android mobile devices. It plans to expand from its current 70 U.S. distribution touchpoints to more than 90.
The AVOD service is also bringing some of its own content to new platforms, including the May launch of five free ad-supported streaming TV channels on the Byron Allen-owned Local Now service.