HULU​

Hulu says that its users spend more time on its platform than any other ad-supported premium video site. The streaming company took advantage of its NewFront presentation today to tout some of its new content offerings, but mostly to present research and new advertising options for the site.

CEO Mike Hopkins said in a blog post today that Hulu Plus can now boast 6 million subscribers and wants to invest a lot more in marketing for the platform: “We will more than triple our content marketing spend to grow awareness for, and interest in, Hulu Originals.” This is in response to research that says its users spend more time on Hulu than its competitors: “On desktop alone they spend an average of nearly 50 minutes per session on Hulu and they stay on Hulu for longer stretches than any other ad-supported premium video site in comScore’s top 100.”

Hopkins added that Hulu wants to leverage advertising further with interactive ads and with Hulu 360, which will enable better ad experiences across mobile platforms.

Hulu has also ordered another season of “Deadbeat,” and is bringing back “The Awesomes,” “Quick Draw” and “East Los High.” Also, Hulu is partnering with Pizza Hut for an In-Stream Purchase Unit where users can order pizza directly from the Hulu site.

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE

For its first NewFront appearance, Scripps announced plans to expand its digital content from stars on its top brands like HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel. Utilizing on-air talent for its digital properties, a few expansions on its TV franchises include “Chopped After Hours,” “Bobby Flay Fit” and “Ice Goes Digital.” Scripps is also teaming with Twitter Amplify to bring social conversations to its food franchises like “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.”

On its digital programming front, Scripps wants to build up companion series on sites like FoodNetwork.com and CookingChannelTV.com, including a show that will run alongside “Food Network Star” as well as a slate of nine new Web series for TravelChannel.com.

CRACKLE

The platform that has brought you “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” has plans for a fourth season, and is working with other big names to bring entertainment to the service. “Breaking Bad’s” Bryan Cranston is taking part in a new project called “Tightrope,” sports anchor Dan Patrick signed on for “Sports Jeopardy” and “Avengers” actor Jeremy Renner is participating in “Throwaways.”

Read more at Variety and Ad Age.

Brief Take: The name of the game seems to be making sure each service has big stars and big names to promote in order to stand out from the fray. As each digital platform races to claim its next big star, we’ll see if the streaming service gets as high profile as the stars they’ve recruited.

[Image courtesy of Hulu]

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