Viacom18 launches VOOT in India


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 30 March 2016




India’s Viacom18 has launched its digital video on demand (VOD) platform, VOOT.



vootThe service will take the form of an advertising-based VOD platform and will be available for free on iOS, Android and on the Web.

In a major move aimed at curating its repository of kids’ characters in the Indian OTT space, VOOT will house popular characters from across networks – from Nick characters like Dora, Spongebob, Motu Patlu to external popular characters like Chhota Bheem and Pokemon. VOOT Originals also will roll out shows in both long and short formats across genres like comedy and drama. Bollywood actors Gulshan Grover, Baba Sehgal, Alok Nath and a host of celebrity scriptwriters and directors will be front-lining these shows. Furthermore, Viacom18 will move its entire content library, including COLORS, MTV and Nick, to be digitally available only on VOOT.

“India is at the cusp of a digital boom with over 400 million Internet users and 200 million-plus smartphone users spending significant amount of time online with entertainment and allied content being the prime driver,” said Sudhanshu Vats, group CEO, Viacom18. “As more people move towards consuming content online, it is time for Viacom18 to move into the world of connected screens. Hence VOOT.”

VOOT has planned six originals through its launch phase, and is all set to introduce India’s first mockumentary – Badman.

Earlier this month, VOOT revealed OTT video specialist Kaltura will provide the VOOT platform, complete with custom-built features for the Indian market.

The user experience and interface will be designed by US company A Different Engine (ADE), which specialises in building UX/UI for large multi-platform video streaming services. Web Dunia will provide systems integration, as well as Web services and website development, while mobile applications are being developed by one of India’s Robosoft Technologies.