In a significant move to enhance content accessibility, Rakuten TV has announced a partnership with TCL to offer over 50 FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels across Europe. This collaboration aims to provide a diverse range of free content, including films, series, documentaries, youth programs, and lifestyle content, directly through TCL Channel, a streaming service integrated into TCL's smart TVs.
Launched in October 2024, Rakuten TV's new line of services, dubbed "Enterprise Services," underpins this strategic partnership. The technology developed by Rakuten TV enables seamless distribution of FAST channels without the need for third-party intermediaries. This means that millions of TCL users across Europe will have access to a wealth of high-quality content, enriching their viewing experience.
Among the popular channels included in this offering are Rakuten TV Top Movies, Rakuten TV Drama, Rakuten TV Action, and Rakuten TV Romance. These channels will be available in several European countries, including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland, catering to a wide audience.
Sidharth Jayant, Chief Product Officer at Rakuten TV, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "While maintaining our B2C business, our team has worked diligently to develop technology capable of creating FAST channels for the most popular platforms, monetizing content through SSAI, EPG scheduling, and content management. With 15 years of experience behind us, we are now distributing our robust offering of FAST channels with TCL, paving the way for third-party content holders to partner with us and easily deploy their FAST channels while maximizing their monetization potential. We are excited to collaborate with TCL and strengthen our presence on platforms where we already broadcast our FAST channels."
Rebecca Wang, Head of Business Development at TCL, also commented on the partnership, saying, "We are thrilled about this collaboration between TCL Channel and Rakuten TV. The high-quality FAST channels, covering a variety of genres, will surely appeal to our European audience and further enrich the content ecosystem of TCL Channel, offering a more diverse viewing experience to our users."
This partnership not only enhances the content offerings for TCL users but also reinforces Rakuten TV's position as a leading streaming platform in Europe. With a reach of over 150 million households across 43 European territories, Rakuten TV combines transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD), and FAST channels to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience.
The collaboration comes at a time when the demand for free streaming options is on the rise, as viewers seek more accessible and diverse content without the burden of subscription fees. By leveraging TCL's extensive market presence and Rakuten TV's innovative technology, this partnership is poised to significantly impact the streaming landscape in Europe.
Rakuten TV's offerings include more than 10,000 titles available on demand, featuring films, documentaries, and series from Hollywood and local studios. The FAST service boasts a vast selection of over 500 unique channels, including 100 channels owned and operated by Rakuten TV throughout Europe.
As the landscape of television continues to evolve, partnerships like this one between Rakuten TV and TCL highlight the importance of collaboration in meeting consumer demands for diverse and accessible content. With the integration of these FAST channels, users can expect a richer and more varied viewing experience, reinforcing the notion that free content can be both high-quality and plentiful.
In conclusion, the partnership between Rakuten TV and TCL marks a significant step forward in the streaming industry, providing European viewers with an expansive array of free content options. As these companies continue to innovate and adapt to changing viewer preferences, they are setting a precedent for future collaborations in the fast-evolving world of digital entertainment.
