Vizio launched today its beta version of Jump Ads, a cross-platform viewing solution. The program uses advertising to connect linear TV viewers to streaming services on Vizio’s smart TVs.
Participating networks can use Jump Ads to present an interactive overlay at the end of linear TV programs. Viewers will then be directed to a supporting app on Vizio’s OS to continue their watching experience.
Using Vizio’s Inscape ACR technology, Jump Ads can recognize when a participating program is airing and then target and serve the overlay to the viewer in real-time. Providers can choose when ads appear on a show, how often they appear and even to which app the overlay points.
“As the provider of both the TV hardware and software, VIZIO is in a unique position to create an environment that reduces friction and increases usability,” said Adam Bergman, VP of sales at Vizio Ads, in a statement. “Jump Ads represent yet another step in VIZIO’s ongoing mission to unify the smart TV experience with features that benefit viewers, content providers and advertisers.”
Fox is the first partner to test the feature, placing Jump Ads after the first episode of its new comedy series “Welcome to Flatch.” The Jump Ads then prompt viewers to continue watching the program on the Fox Now app.
Cross-platform ads can help bridge the viewer gap between broadcast and streaming platforms. LocalBTV, which streams select broadcast channels via digital signal, unveiled a similar feature this week, allowing providers to dynamically insert or replace ads depending on which platform they’re serving.
Natalie Park, SVP of marketing strategy and media at Fox Entertainment, said both linear and streaming services are playing an integral role in the viewing experience.
“Innovations like Jump Ads that integrate these formats for viewers create a better live, tune-in experience that caters to the on-demand expectation that the binge-watching cultural phenomenon has created,” she said.