Ahead of launching its OTT (over-the-top) platform Voot, Viacom18 Digital Ventures has roped in various technical partners to speed up the plan.
This includes Kaltura, a global majors in OTT and video streaming services. Kaltura is building several customised features for VOOT, aimed at making it relevant for the Indian market.
This apart the company has also tied up with US-based A Different Engine for the user experience and user interface design.
Viacom has also approached Web Dunia for web services and website development. The mobile applications are being developed by Robosoft Technologies
Voot is likely to be launched later this month. Voot will be ad-supported video on demand service. It will compete with other-over-the-top (OTT) service providers such as Netflix, Hotstar, Sony Liv, Ditto TV, ErosNow and HOOQ.
Gaurav Gandhi, COO, Viacom18 Digital Ventures, said, “In this business, product and technology play a pivotal role. While we work towards bringing popular and engaging content in this space for our viewers, we were equally focused on working with the best technology & design partners to build a world-class, differentiated product.”
The company indicated that in addition to exclusively showcasing the content produced and aired by Viacom18 channels, Voot will also focus on Originals – content created only for the service.
Viacom18 is the joint media venture between US entertainment company Viacom and Reliance owned Network18. Voot will act as a single exclusive destination for all of Viacom18 network's content portfolio.
This includes entertainment channels such as Colors, Colors Infinity, Rishtey, MTV, MTV Indies, Vh1, Comedy Central, kids channels Nick, Nick Jr, Nick Teen & Sonic and film production & distribution banner Viacom18 Motion Pictures.
Content partnersThe company is looking at content from production firms such as Endemol Shine India, Saurabh Tiwari Films, Colosceum Media, Frames Production Company, Sunshine Production, Shakutantalam Telefilms and Bodhi Tree.