Refinery29 strikes first UK VOD deal with Sky

Female millennial-focused lifestyle portal Refinery29 has struck a video-on-demand deal with Sky, whereby content from the site will be made available to Sky Q customers.

Refinery29 will make a range of content available via the online video section of Sky’s advanced TV offering, including Try Living with Lucie, Womanhood and Game of Life.

Refinery29 launched its international operation in 2015, hiring Kate Ward, Vice President of International, from the Endemol Shine Group. The company has since launched offices in the UK and Germany with over 30 staff across Europe.

The latest deal is a first for the service in the UK, following partnerships with Comcast’s Watchable, Verizon’s Go90, Delta Airlines, Xumo and Rheo.

Refinery29 claims to a global monthly audience of 493 million. Last year, Turner made a US$45 million (€40 million) investment in the company, with additional participation from Scripps Networks Interactive.

Ward said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sky to bring our bold and unique programming to Sky Q. We are committed to serving women with unique programming that embodies both style and substance. This partnership with Sky marks an important milestone of our international expansion, recognising our powerful brand and our on-going commitment to bringing our content to audiences wherever they are watching.”

 Julia Barry, Sky’s director of on-demand and online video, said: “Adding Refinery29’s content is a great addition to the Sky Q Online Video section. We are always looking for content that will excite, entertain and inspire our customers and Refinery29 does just that.”