Verizon Communications Inc. is ready to rumble in a new arena - video streaming - with DreamWorks and AwesomenessTV keeping it company.
On Wednesday, March 11, Verizon revealed that it was teaming up with AwesomenessTV, which is owned by DreamWorks Animation - famous for its Shrek and Kung Fu Panda franchises - for its impending streaming service. Thanks to this deal, Verizon will offer users over 200 hours of innovative online programming as it gets ready to foray into this area.
With the AwesomenessTV tie-up in its kitty, Verizon will be hoping to entice family audiences as the trend of streaming videos on mobile devices increases. For the unfamiliar, AwesomenessTV has a considerable following on YouTube.
This deal is reflective of Verizon's plans of cashing-in on the growing trend of people using mobile devices to stream digital content.
"It's increasingly clear that 'mobile first' is the way millennials are consuming all types of content, especially HD video and music," said Terry Denson, VP, content acquisition and strategy at Verizon.
With AwesomenessTV on board, Verizon will be able to specifically dish out content and programming it wants to broadcast on its service.
"This is an incredible opportunity to expand the audience for both AwesomenessTV and DreamWorksTV. Mobile is where our audience lives, which is why we are looking forward to working with Verizon to introduce our programming and talent to their massive customer base," noted Brian Robbins, AwesomenessTV's CEO and co-founder.
Verizon, however, has not divulged any details on what programming one can expect from its online video service. However, considering AwesomenessTV is targeted at young adults and teens, the content generated will likely comprise both unscripted and scripted series.
AwesomenessTV currently accounts for nearly 112 million subscribers and over 7 billion views on YouTube, which in itself bears a testament to its popularity.
The programming from AwesomenessTV for Verizon will only be available in the U.S. as part of the multi-year deal.
Verizon has not divulged the pricing plans for its impending online video streaming service.
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart | Flickr
