Virtual MVPD Vidgo has soft-launched its service with an early adopter promotional price of $15/month and a social TV feature built by Kiswe Mobile.
The promotional packages include 50 channels like A&E, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, HGTV, MTV and Nickelodeon. It’s a precursor to Vidgo’s full English-language product that will launch later this month. Vidgo CEO Shane Cannon said the early adopter promotion is a way to get subscribers in the door and try the social features.
The update, which works on Vidgo’s Android and iOS apps, lets Vidgo subscribers chat while watching live TV together in digital living rooms called “Hangs.” The social features are only available to Vidgo subscribers.
“We’re thrilled to launch Social TV to support Vidgo’s incredible programming. Finally, watching TV on your phone no longer means that you have to watch it alone. With Vidgo, we’re making live sports and entertainment something you can once again share with friends, even when they’re apart,” said Mike Schabel, Kiswe Mobile’s CEO, in a statement.
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Vidgo is still working through blackout certifications as it prepares to launch its full product, which will include ESPN and broadcast channels like ABC and Fox. Local channels will be added to the product as well.
The service did a beta launch late in 2018 and had hoped to have its full service up and running in late summer in time for the NFL season.
Vidgo has an English-language package and two Spanish-language packages, beginning at $14.99 per month.
Kiswe, in addition to building Vidgo’s social features, earlier this summer set a multi-year strategic partnership with Vidgo.
“Vidgo’s unique customer acquisition model gives them a large physical presence in mobile storefronts and with prepaid customers in nearly every community in the United States,” said Schabel. “Their go to market strategy and content rights fit nicely with our vision to provide consumers with an engaging and social mobile video experience centered around live sports.”