Rakuten TV has partnered with smart TV manufacturer TCL to offer more than 50 free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels to viewers across Europe. These channels will be available through TCL Channel, the company’s free streaming platform pre-installed on millions of TCL smart TVs.
This collaboration features a mix of Rakuten TV’s own channels as well as select third-party content from well-known entertainment brands. What’s unique about this deal is that it marks the first time Rakuten TV is also stepping in as a technical integrator, using its “Enterprise Services” technology to help deliver FAST Channels directly to TVs no middleman needed.
Thanks to this partnership, TCL users in Europe can look forward to a wider variety of content at no cost. From Hollywood blockbusters and European films to kids’ programs, reality shows, documentaries, and TV series, there’s something for everyone.
The new channels will be rolled out in countries like the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland. Viewers can enjoy popular Rakuten TV channels such as:
- Rakuten TV Top Movies
- Rakuten TV Drama
- Rakuten TV Action
- Rakuten TV Romance
…and many more.
Rakuten TV’s role as a tech integrator also means that third-party content owners can now work with Rakuten to launch their own FAST Channels directly on TCL TVs. This opens up new opportunities for content creators to distribute and monetize their shows more easily.
Sidharth Jayant, Chief Product Officer at Rakuten TV, said, “While maintaining a successful B2C business, our team has worked hard to build the technology to create FAST Channels for the most popular platforms, monetise content using SSAI, EPG scheduling and content management. Leveraging our 15 years of experience, today we begin distributing our strong FAST Channels offering with TCL and also open the door for third party content owners to partner with us and easily deploy their FAST Channels while maximising their monetisation potential.”
Rebecca Wang, Head of BD at TCL, said, “We are excited about the collaboration between TCL Channel and Rakuten TV. The high-quality FAST Channels include a variety of genres that will surely appeal to our audience across Europe and further enhance the content ecosystem of TCL Channel, bringing a more diverse viewing experience to our users.”
About
Rakuten TV is a European streaming service offering video-on-demand and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels. With its newly launched “Enterprise Services” arm, Rakuten TV now provides technology and support for content creators and media brands to launch and manage their own FAST Channels across connected devices.
TCL is a global electronics known for its affordable and innovative smart TVs. TCL Channel is its built-in free streaming service available on millions of TCL smart TVs worldwide, offering on-demand content and now a growing lineup of FAST Channels.