Molotov reaches 10m users
January 29, 2020
From Pascale Paoli-Lebailly in Paris
French OTT live and catch-up TV platform Molotov has announced 10 million users, three years after its launch.
In 2020, the service intends to add new functionalities for viewers as well as monetising tools for content owners. A SmartPaywall will help channels to offer paid content, whilst the SmartAdServing will help those serving advertising.
In 2019, the platform saw a 63 per cent increase of global time spent by users, and an 82 per cent rise in subscriptions.
The platform now has 30,000 titles, refreshed on a daily basis, coming from more than 170 channels and content providers. Last year, the library was enhanced with entertainment channels including Adult Swim, news services such as RT France. Molotov has also opened a Gamer Zone targeting gaming and eSports fans.
At the end of 2019, Molotov was integrated to the French government programme French Tech 120 that backs high-potential start-ups selected on a national level.
Molotov is run by Jean-David Blanc, who created platform AlloCiné, and former Canal+ exec Pierre Lescure. A third co-founder, Jean-Marc Denoual, left the company in March 2019.
Shareholder Xavier Niel is expected to inject an additional €30 million into the platform imminently. Iliad Group, a founder, would then hold 40 per cent of the platform, valued at €75 million.