Crackle Plus continues its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) rollout, adding five FAST channels to the TCL Channel’s free streaming platform.
The TCL Channel is a streaming service available on TCL TVs, which are powered by Roku and Google smart TV systems. TCL features over 300 live linear channels as well as content on-demand.
Crackle Plus’ newly launched FAST channels include Crackle, Crackle Classics, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Popcornflix and Truli. Crackle launched those same channels in May on Allen Media Group’s Local Now streaming service.
“Enlarging our distribution with TCL also reflects our determination to provide consumers with the best free entertainment with the support of our advertising partners who will be exposed to a completely fresh audience,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus, in a statement.
Further expanding its reach, Crackle last month reached 85 touchpoints across the U.S., marking an increase from the 70 distribution points Crackle had as of May.
“TCL is committed to the free streaming space, and we continue to provide value to our audience by partnering with stellar brands like Crackle to deliver our customers top-shelf free content,” stated Rebecca Wan of FFalcon, the manufacturer of TCL TVs.
FAST channels are a hot commodity in the streaming landscape. Executives from Roku and Tubi have said FAST could potentially overtake linear TV, depending on which content is available and whether viewers know about it.
One Touch Intelligence’s Michael Grebb also noted many streaming services – including Netflix and Disney+ – want to get in on the ad revenue action. In a May Fierce Video column, Grebb pointed out “there’s renewed ad urgency within both linear and streaming environments.”
Crackle is leveraging the trend towards ad-supported streaming. The company in June tapped Amagi to increase its direct and programmatic ad sales. Amagi said the deal signals industry interest in the CTV marketplace. An IAB report from May highlighted CTV ad spend alone rose 57% in 2021.
Looking to enhance its audience measurement capabilities, Crackle recently announced it will continue using iSpot.tv’s cross-platform ad measurement through 2023 – the third year the companies are working together. iSpot is one of the players in the growing alternative measuring space, along with the likes of Comscore and VideoAmp.