Vivendi revamps Watchever with branded channels, BBC Brit on board

Vivendi-owned German subscription video-on-demand service Watchever has revamped its service with a new structure based around branded channels.

The SVoD service, the new version of which is available from today, is offering a total of 25 branded channels across genres, that have been developed in partnership with content providers including CBS, BBC Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company and ZDF Enterprises. New services include BBC Worldwide’s BBC Brit and BBC First services, which are making appearances in Germany for the first time.

Also new to the service is a recommendation engine combining the use of an algorithm with input from an in-house editorial team. Subscribers will be able to select up to five different profiles at any time.

The service has also relaunched with a new look and feel and other original features. Vivendi said that Watchever would provide additional channels to its subscribers in the coming months.

The service has launched a national marketing campaign with the tagline Es gibt noch so viel zu entdecken (There is so much more to discover).

The service, which costs €8.99 a month, is currently available on the web and Apple TV, with new devices to be added in the next few weeks.

“When we launched our service more than two-and-a-half years ago, we shook up the German video streaming market. We have learned continuously ever since – the viewers want to discover new and diverse content amongst movies, series and concerts. I am very happy that we can take this path in SVoD together with our new and already existing partners. With our unique and pioneering channel-based structure we are generating despite the repute of the brand an

increased visibility for our licensors. With the new Watchever we can now ensure that our users won’t miss the exciting, relevant shows on Watchever,” said Karim Ayari, managing director of Watchever.

“By continuing our relationship with Watchever, on their innovative new platform, we’re ensuring audiences have a dedicated space to find the programmes they love. We’re especially excited to be introducing our new brands BBC Brit and BBC First to the German market for the first time, both will sit alongside our established brands BBC Earth and global hit Doctor Who. Together we looking forward to learning how audiences navigate and best enjoy the shows this partnership will offer,” said Isabelle Helle, managing director of BBC Worldwide Germany.