Scott Searle’s rating is based on several factors that demonstrate a strong potential for growth and value in VIZIO Holding’s stock. The company’s 3Q23 performance exceeded expectations largely due to robust SmartCast sales which saw a 22% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, VIZIO has raised its SmartCast outlook for 4Q23 by 21% year-on-year.

Vizio is looking to expand in the TVOS space, disclosing plans Thursday to explore partnerships with third-party TV OEMs to license its smart TV software.

“At Vizio, we continue to invest in delivering the best possible experience for our users and partners alike. Over the past few years, we have been continuously retooling and enhancing our operating system to unlock further growt opportunities,” said Vizio CEO William Wang.

The executive, Scott Kessler, comes to MyBundle by way of Vizio and Roku, where he worked in similar business development roles. At MyBundle, Kessler will be tasked with nurturing existing agreements with streaming services while also looking for new partnerships with direct-to-consumer providers that build on MyBundle's mission of being a one-stop shop for all things streaming.

Vizio has announced new deals with BBC Studios, Magnolia Pictures and Paramount Global Content Distribution that dramatically expand the free content on its Vizio WatchFree offering. These recent deals are part of an aggressive free premium content expansion during 2023 for the Vizio service, which now provides over 275 streaming channels and 15,000+ on-demand movies and shows.

Vizio WatchFree+ users have 24/7 access to the channel’s curated programming, featuring expert instruction and DIY videos in a wide range of categories such as knitting, crochet, painting, baking, quilting, sewing and more.

Wednesday, November 1
Strawberry Shortcake: Perfect Holiday (Netflix)
Merry & Bright (Vizio)
Firebuds: Blizzard Buds/Parade Escapade (Disney+, airs Thursday, Nov. 30 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior)

WatchFree+ is exclusive to VIZIO Smart TVs in the U.S. The latest distribution agreements are part of an aggressive expansion strategy for free premium content during 2023 and the impact is being felt in monthly viewing hours. Every month since May, viewing on WatchFree+ On Demand has been at least double the figure it was in the equivalent month for 2022.

The trend: Shoppable TV ads are gaining momentum this holiday season as retailers look for ways to connect with consumers and shorten the time between inspiration and purchase.

WatchFree+ on-demand has experienced significant growth, with monthly viewing hours doubling year over year further solidifying WatchFree+ as the second most-watched ad-supported streaming service on the VIZIO platform.

Vizio has reached agreements with BBC Studios, Magnolia Pictures and Paramount Global Content Distribution to join the lineup of more than 20 studios and media companies including A24, AMC Networks, Disney Entertainment, Lionsgate, MarVista Entertainment, NFL Media, Relativity Media, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sony Pictures offering content on WatchFree+.

Vizio’s WatchFree+ service has expanded once again, with the streaming service now offering smart TV owners access to more than 275 live channels, and over 15,000 on-demand movies and shows.

The new partnerships are part of VIZIO’s aggressive expansion of free content for WatchFree+, the company’s free streaming service. They join a group of more than 20 studios and media companies offering content on the free platform, including A24, AMC Networks, Disney Entertainment, Lionsgate, MarVista Entertainment, NFL Media, Relativity Media, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Sony Pictures.

Vizio pairs ACR with additional data for more insights, such as knowing comedies with a certain type of talent is hitting the mark audiences – playing into which licensing deals it ultimately pursues.

Electronics company Vizio and The Home Depot have developed a shoppable content series to highlight the many ways consumers can use the retailer’s products to decorate their homes, per details shared with Marketing Dive.

In an epic deal, Golf Nation officially debuted its Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) golf-lifestyle channel on the home screen of VIZIO’s tens of millions of Smart TVs in living rooms everywhere.

Neumeier sold his previous startup, Cognitive Networks, to TV manufacturer Vizio, where it was rebranded as Inscape and formed the basis of the company's ad business.

VIZIO’s CEO William Wang said last week that the Smart TV manufacturer is beginning to explore partnerships with other TV OEMs who are looking for alternatives within the connected TV market. Q3 2023 results also showed SmartCast viewing growth.

Utzschneider cited a partnership from Q3 with Vizio, the renewal of an exclusive partnership with Samsung, plus Publica’s integration with the Yahoo Backstage DSP as key CTV moves.