Univision Communications announced the launch of UVideos, the bilingual digital network for Hispanic America with one of the most fully integrated, comprehensive social experiences available in any language in the U.S.
Available via UVideos.com and the UVideos mobile app on iOS and Android compatible devices, U.S. Hispanics will have access to their favorite Univision content, including popular Televisa programming – in Spanish or subtitled in English – when and where they want it and across any device.
As part of the Univision Starcom Mediavest Group Upfront deal, UVideos will be launching with many SMG advertisers including Allstate, Microsoft and Wendy’s.
“UVideos offers a compelling new way for U.S. Hispanics to connect with Univision Networks and watch their favorite shows anytime, anywhere, while also creating new opportunities for advertisers and distributors,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive and Enterprise Development. “It provides our audience with new ways to experience their favorite programming, and engage new viewers, many of whom prefer English language experiences, with easy access to the best story telling on television.”
Fueling Univision’s decision was research on U.S. Spanish-speaking Hispanic consumers commissioned by Univision and conducted by Nielsen. According to the research, more than one-third of Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic consumers say that the ability to consume content on multiple devices when and where it is convenient are among the most important factors when considering a digital video service. Additionally, a majority of respondents said their top three most important factors when considering any digital video service offered in the U.S. are: variety of content, cost, and the ability for everyone in the household to easily search for or find desired content.
“Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic consumers are clearly embracing digital technologies and are actively looking for more cross-platform video content that can be accessed from a variety of devices,” said Jonathan Carson, general manager of Digital for Nielsen. “These findings are yet another compelling argument for the tremendous opportunities that exist among media companies and marketers to reach and engage with the sizable, growing U.S. Hispanic audience.”
More than 60% of Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanic consumers surveyed said they like to share clips with friends online. Similarly, more than 60 percent of those consumers surveyed said they have a desire for more Spanish-language digital video content.
In addition, Conroy announced that “Te Presento a Valentin” (I Present You, Valentine), the first webnovela co-produced by Univision and Televisa, will premiere today on the new digital network.
UVideos.com and the UVideos mobile app have many unique elements including a time-syncing feature powered by Arktan, the leading provider of social curation and real-time conversation products. When viewers watch videos of shows after live programming, they are able to see all the social and on-site comments played back to them as they occurred during original broadcast. This means that friends can experience shows together, even if they’re not watching at the same time. Once users begin consuming content on UVideos, Digitalsmiths provides search and recommendation functionality so users can find the most relevant content for them, whether it be similar telenovelas, sports, news or entertainment programming. Content on UVideos is available for free, generally 24 hours after airing.
