Vizio has unleashed fresh seasonal content for its free ad-supported streaming service WatchFree+, launching on Friday Spring Showcase, a curated collection of programming.
New WatchFree+ exclusives include “Prince Harry: Being the Spare,” “RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under” and “Samuel L Jackson: Did I Stutter?” Vizio also added more than 200 hours of content to Vizio House, a free channel dedicated to DIY and home improvement.
Additionally, Vizio is boasting single series channels for reality shows “Project Runway” and “Family Feud,” as well as kids shows like “Strawberry Shortcake” and “Bob the Builder.” Single show linear channels can help viewers familiarize themselves with streaming ad-supported content, as Vizio’s director of content acquisition Greg Barnard noted last year.
Spring Showcase marks Vizio’s second WatchFree+ programming event, as it comes after the smart TV maker launched its Fall Fest event last October. Vizio users can access Spring Showcase content by clicking the WatchFree+ banner on Vizio’s home screen.
“We are excited to bring WatchFree+ audiences another slate of fresh and exclusive programming during Spring Showcase,” stated Katherine Pond, Vizio’s group VP of platform content and partnerships. “Thanks to our deep network of content partners and our data-driven approach to programming, this curated collection delivers something for everyone and is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages.”
WatchFree+ counts over 260 free channels and more than 5,000 on-demand movies and shows. Vizio last September said WatchFree+ ranked as the second most-popular free app – behind YouTube – on its SmartCast streaming platform.
Not only is Vizio building up WatchFree+’s content library, it’s also using brand partnerships to expand its connected TV business. The company in March teamed up with sports betting service BetMGM to launch an original program embedded within an ad, which ran on the Vizio home screen and WatchFree+.
This week, Vizio introduced virtual MVPD Frndly TV to its smart TV platform. Frndly TV is offering Vizio users a seven-day free trial before purchasing a subscription, which starts at around $7 per month.