Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) has announced an expanded international rollout of its Viaplay streaming service in five new markets, including Canada, by the end of 2023. Viaplay will launch in the UK in the second half of next year and then in Canada, Germany, Austria and Switzerland by the end of 2023, bringing its mix of Nordic, local and international series, films, documentaries and kids content to 16 countries. NENT Group is looking to attract 12 million Viaplay subscribers by the end of 2025, approximately half of those from international markets. Viaplay’s accelerated expansion follows the streamer’s recent launch in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and upcoming launches in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Read more here.
Bell has announced a collaboration with TikTok Canada that lets the app’s users with Bell 5G co-create with friends in real time using Paint Portal, a new 5G multi-user augmented reality (AR) experience. Best experienced with the faster speeds, higher bandwidth and lower latency of 5G, Paint Portal allows users in different locations to use AR brushes to paint together, simultaneously seeing their own environment and the 3D AR painting that they’re co-creating in real time. Bell has partnered with Canadian creators @justinhopper, @kissyduerre, @dominosantantonio and @monikapilon to kick off #Bell5GPaintPortal, which launches Sept. 27.
The National Screen Institute (NSI) has partnered with TikTok Canada to offer the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, a new, part-time online training program designed to empower up to 30 Indigenous content creators to grow their TikTok presence, learning the key elements of storytelling and essential building blocks for a successful digital career. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
BBTV Holdings is launching Rights Management solutions for live events, from sports league games and pay-per-view events, to live concerts and awards shows. The formal launch of the solution will further expand the company’s range of capabilities within Content Management, generating more viewership, revenue and insights from live content at a time when digital live streaming is a key growth area for major events. BBTV says the live streaming market is expected to grow to $184.3 billion USD by 2027, seeing 99% growth in hours watched on major digital platforms from April 2019 to April 2020, driven by younger audiences including 63% of Millennials who stream live events regularly.
The 26th Annual Webby Awards are officially open for entries. Judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, the Webbys honour the best of the internet across Websites & Mobile Sites; Apps & Software; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Social; Virtual & Remote; Podcasts; and Games. Check out past winners in the Webby Winners Gallery + Index. The early entry deadline is Friday, Oct. 29.
