Streaming Channels Data from Gracenote
May 24, 2022
Entertainment metadata and content IDs specialist Gracenote has launched Gracenote Streaming Channels Data aimed at enabling content discovery platforms better to connect consumers to programming on free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels as well as linear channels on virtual MVPD (vMVPD) services.
By integrating this new solution, Gracenote says that content aggregators can now more effectively serve as one-stop shops for viewers who are increasingly turning to new free services for programming to augment premium streaming service content.
Streaming Channels Data provides content discovery platforms with access to Gracenote’s gold standard database of schedules for linear streaming channels. Each airing includes a Gracenote ID, and normalised channel and programmde metadata enriched with imagery, descriptions and celebrity information. The rich dataset enhances content discoverability and enables more personalised programme recommendations across different services, ultimately improving the user experience.
According to The Gauge, Nielsen’s snapshot of total monthly TV consumption, streaming reached another record high in terms of total US TV viewing in April 2022 accounting for 30.4 per cent of usage. More broadly, Americans increased average weekly time streaming video by 18 per cent from 143.2 billion minutes in February 2021 to 169.4 billion minutes in February 2022 per Nielsen’s State of Play report. These figures underscore the opportunity at hand for content discovery platforms to capture share and time spent.
FAST channels are often themed and remain available for a finite time period. For example, a service could launch a channel dedicated to TV programming resonating with Asian viewers during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month in May. Based on the temporal nature of the offering, the ability to integrate the FAST channel and make its content discoverable quickly is critical.
“As consumers look for free ad-supported TV content to complement their on-demand services, easy integration and discovery options become more important than ever for aggregator platforms,” stated Simon Adams, Chief Product Officer at Gracenote. “By solving for these challenges, Gracenote Streaming Channels Data helps platform customers work towards optimising their user experiences and securing their positions as go-to destinations for viewers.”
The launch of Gracenote Streaming Channels Data marks further expansion of the company’s Streaming Video suite of datasets built to help entertainment providers around the world drive engagement with compelling streaming content from a range of sources. Available now in the US and Europe, the new solution joins existing Gracenote offerings which improve search and discovery of entertainment and sports programming across all platforms.