Multi-year agreement includes development of original content, music for Verizon Go90 platform
Verizon Wireless signed a multi-year deal with Sony Music to distribute original video content from Sony Music through the telecom operator’s recently launched Go90 mobile video service. The deal is set to include original series, live music events and performances.
Announced content includes a “hidden camera comedy show” dubbed “Crashed” created with Joel McHale’s Free Period Productions; “Car Star,” described as a “competition series focused on singing in the car” in which contestants go head-to-head; and “A Live Festival” multi-night concert series staring Sony Music artists. The deal builds on previous content arrangements between Verizon and Sony.
“The intent of this partnership is to highlight cutting edge, emerging artists and rising stars,” explained Brian Angiolet, SVP of consumer product and marketing at Verizon. “With strong positioning in sports and original content, the music community is another key audience we are aggressively going after.”
Sony cited the increased move by consumers towards viewing video content via mobile devices.
“Consumers are increasingly turning to mobile devices to watch Web series and shows, and we are excited to offer them a diverse line-up of fun and highly engaging programs that provide an all new way to connect with their favorite music and celebrities,” said Lee Stimmel, head of original content at Sony Music Entertainment.
Verizon rolled out a beta trial of the Go90 service in early September, followed by a commercial launch in October. The service focuses on “live-type news clips and sports and events,” taking advantage of content deals Verizon Wireless has struck with providers.
Application analytics firm Apptopia recently claimed the Go90 platform had been downloaded 1.8 million times by Dec. 15, with momentum suggesting it would hit the 2 million mark in the coming weeks. Those downloads are skewed towards devices powered by Google’s Android operating system, with Apptopia claiming more than 1 million downloads via the Google Play store vs. Apple’s App Store.
Verizon Wireless is also reported to be readying a premium version of the service that would not count data usage against a customer’s data bucket. Such a move would seem to mimic T-Mobile US’ recently launched Binge On service that allows select customers to stream video content from a handful of video service providers – including Go90 – without impacting a customer’s data allotment.
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