To continue to differentiate itself from other music streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify, Tidal is expanding its content by adding original TV shows to the mix.
Launched by Jay Z, the music-subscription service already has a library of over 36 million high-fidelity songs and 86,000 music videos. Tidal also offers exclusive videos that include 70 music videos, short films, and the ability to view past livestreams.
And now the platform will stream two new series, one scripted and one unscripted, in the drama and comedy genres to its more than 1 million subscribers.
Tidal has ordered season 2 of the drama Money & Violence that previously aired on YouTube. Created and starring Moise Verneau, the series follows a group of young men in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood who become "thieves and drug dealers" to make ends meet. The series sounds right up Jay Z's alley since the rapper famously was born and raised in Brooklyn himself.
Season 2 of Money & Violence will exclusively premiere on Tidal in January one week before a "wider distribution," which we can assume will probably be on YouTube.
Tidal is currently offering all episodes of season 1, so that subscribers can be ready for the new content, along with extras and commentary.
The second exclusive TV series Tidal will add to its line-up is a comedy series called No Small Talk, which is hosted by DJ and TV personality Cipha Sounds. The series will consist of five episodes that are about a half hour each, where each episode will profile three young comedians who will perform at Comedy Cellar in Manhattan. The series premieres on Nov. 3.
The decision to add TV shows to the platform comes as an attempt to provide subscribers with the most value for their buck. Tidal launched to a rocky start back in March. Jay Z met with Samsung executives last month, which has swirled rumors about an acquisition or even a partnership.
Source: Variety
