As WatchFree+ Surges as the No. 2 Ad-Supported Watched Streaming Service, VIZIO Launches Next Slate of Features Channels

Exclusive Data-Informed Thematic Channels Prove a Strong Catalyst for Increased Consumption

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just eight months after going live, the VIZIO (NYSE: VZIO) reimagined WatchFree+ free streaming service has established itself as a major hit with viewers. The cable-like FAST service is now the second-most-watched ad-supported streaming app on VIZIO.

Driving this momentum are more than 250 premium channels and 5,000 movies and shows spanning 13 content genres, from news, movies and sports to kids and family, music and reality. Discovery for all the channels is fueled by Inscape, VIZIO’s rich, glass-level data which provides insights into what people like to watch. That data also powers VIZIO Features, the curated program offering which is among the most watched on the WatchFree+ Platform.

To build on the success of Features, VIZIO, which controls 100% of ad inventory for curated channels, is rolling out three new channels exclusive to VIZIO audiences. Based on in-demand content categories and tentpole programming, the new offering includes:

• Kick Back — 24/7 action and adventure TV shows and movies
• Love Always — non-stop romantic comedies timed with Valentine's Day
• Cinema Selects — featuring award nominated and winning films to commemorate award season

“VIZIO Features deliver more of what our audiences love - across genres,” said Steve DeMain, VP Engagement at VIZIO. “And because we focus on content that viewers want, each channel represents an opportunity for advertisers to connect with these audiences in a highly engaged environment and for content partners to generate new revenue opportunities with VIZIO.”

Since October 2021, VIZIO has introduced 11 curated Features channels in the top-trending categories of food and travel, true crime, esports and video games, sci-fi, horror, hip hop, action, holidays, and more.

VIZIO is now adding pop-up channels to the mix following the success of holiday-themed programming that drove a 3x increase in hours watched during the months of November and December and made VIZIO’s Holiday offering the most watched channel on WatchFree+.

This past December, VIZIO expanded WatchFree+ to include ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) programming, with more than 5,000 titles including popular movies and TV shows from over 17 major and indie studios to deliver something for everyone.

WatchFree+ live and on demand programming is available on all VIZIO Smart TVs. For more information visit https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus.

About VIZIO

Founded and headquartered in Orange County, California, our mission at VIZIO Holding Corp. (NYSE: VZIO) is to deliver immersive entertainment and compelling lifestyle enhancements that make our products the center of the connected home. We are driving the future of televisions through our integrated platform of cutting-edge Smart TVs and powerful VIZIO operating system. We also offer a portfolio of innovative sound bars that deliver consumers an elevated audio experience. Our platform gives content providers more ways to distribute their content and advertisers more tools to target and dynamically serve ads.

For more information, visit VIZIO.com and follow VIZIO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.