Streaming platform Vidgo signs Crackle Connex to handle ad sales

Crackle Connex, a division of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment that simplifies the connected TV buying process for brands, has signed a deal to exclusively represent streaming platform Vidgo’s ad sales operations in the US. The partnership comes as the battle to secure ad revenues from AVOD and FAST heats up globally.

Vidgo offers around 200 live channels of news, entertainment, Spanish language networks, and sports at a low monthly price, which can be accessed across devices that include Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Commenting on the partnership with Crackle Connex, Vidgo CEO Derek Mattsson said: “The team, led by Philippe Guelton and Darren Olive, has the expertise to bring Vidgo many new advertisers as we prepare for rapid growth. The Crackle Connex platform magnifies the opportunity by simplifying the buying process with measurement and performance tracking that will help advertisers and agencies connect with audiences more effectively.”

Vidgo offers a range of subscription tiers starting at $39.99 per month, rising to $99.99 per month. “It provides great value to viewers looking for general entertainment and sports and an important Spanish-language offering,” said Philippe Guelton, chief revenue officer of Crackle Connex. “Our team is proud to become their exclusive advertising sales arm and support their future growth.”

Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of the largest AVOD companies in the US, with three flagship brands: Redbox, Crackle, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. In addition, it operates services including Redbox Free Live TV, a FAST service with 160 channels.

The competition to secure an edge in the AVOD/FAST ad market is likely to be a key issue in coming years. A recent report form TVREV suggested that this sector will generate around $42bn in ad revenue in the US alone by 2027. A separate analysis by Blue Ant International and OMDIA predicts the UK’s premium online ad-supported video market will hit $3bn by 2027 – of which $500m will go to FAST channels.