Wavefront TV’s Takes – Week of 8/10

August 10, 2020

Wavefront TV’s take on last week:

TikTok dominated the news and will continue to do so until either it is sold OR until tens of millions of teenagers collectively lose their minds if a ban is enacted. And if you think parents had a lot to deal with in the spring, just wait until TikTok is banned. But an important story was lost in the mix: the launch of TikTok’s Amazon Fire TV app (TikTok launches first app Amazon Fire TV tests compilations 2020).

TikTok’s best feature has always been its’ curation and recommendation algorithm. Taking that algo and applying it to the big screen is a bold step that separates the app from traditional social media posts – and opens the app up TV advertising dollars, which thus far has alluded all of the other social apps. It remains to be seen if it will be successful, but we here at Wavefront TV are interested to see if this move is the first step in a move towards TikTok becoming the MTV for this next generation.

Now, on to the news:

Wavefront TV’s take: We have often said that streaming, not apps, are the center of the CTV ecosystem. And stream-stitching ad vendors are reaping the benefit.

WURL network claims exponential growth in first half of 2020

Amagi delivers over 30 live linear channels for roku channel

But it’s all fun and games until a giant ad fraud scheme is discovered:

The double-edged sword of server side ad insertion

Wavefront TV’s take: Philo is on the move.

Philo becomes available via Google Chromecast

Philo claims 750,000 subs for low cost service

Wavefront TV’s take: Littlestar? Might be a medium-star (terrible wordplay, I know).

Cinedigm adds VOD linear to Littlstar streaming platform

Wavefront TV’s take: Viacom’s world is starting to take shape.

ViacomCBS consolidating video into EyeQ platform

ViacomCBS plans international premium SVOD service