VIZIO Introduces Jump Ads To Connect Linear TV With Streaming

VIZIO (NYSE: VZIO) today introduced a beta program for an innovative new cross-platform viewing solution called Jump Ads, designed to bridge the gap between linear TV and streaming services.

Jump Ads give participating programmers and brands the ability to present an interactive overlay at the conclusion of linear TV programs, directing viewers into a supporting app on VIZIO’s operating system to continue their viewing experience.

FOX, the first partner to test the feature, is placing Jump Ads at the end of the premiere episode for its new docu-comedy “Welcome to Flatch.” The Jump Ads will prompt viewers to continue watching additional episodes of the program or catch up on past episodes on the FOX Now App, where FOX is streaming the first seven episodes of the season on-demand the same day as the premiere. This allows viewers to seamlessly extend their viewing experience with a single click of a button, enhancing the smart TV experience for both viewers and content providers alike.

According to Accenture, 60% of viewers are frustrated with the process of navigating between different streaming services and apps. Providing viewers with the ability to easily continue watching the content they just enjoyed eliminates that confusion and answers the ever-growing question of “what do I watch next?”

By encouraging and increasing viewership across formats, Jump Ads gives content providers a new opportunity to engage viewers beyond a single linear session with the ability to fully control and customize the user journey between platforms. This includes the ability to choose at what point of the show the ads will appear, how often they appear, and even to which app the overlay points. VIZIO is currently working with additional content providers and brands on a variety of integrations.

“As the provider of both the TV hardware and software, VIZIO is in a unique position to create an environment that reduces friction and increases usability,” said Adam Bergman, VP of Sales at VIZIO Ads. “Jump Ads represent yet another step in VIZIO’s ongoing mission to unify the smart TV experience with features that benefit viewers, content providers and advertisers.”

“Clearly, the viewing experience has changed, with both linear and streaming playing an integral role for the foreseeable future,” said Natalie Park, SVP, Marketing Strategy and Media at FOX Entertainment. “Innovations like Jump Ads that integrate these formats for viewers create a better live, tune-in experience that caters to the on-demand expectation that the binge-watching cultural phenomenon has created.”

Jump Ads leverage VIZIO’s Inscape ACR technology to recognize when a program participating in the Jump Ads program is on air, as well as additional proprietary VIZIO software to then target and serve the overlay to the viewer in real-time.

Airing Thursdays at 9:30pm ET/PT and inspired by BBC Studios’ BAFTA-winning BBC format, “This Country,” “Welcome to Flatch” is written and executive-produced by Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City,” “The Greatest Showman”) and directed and executive-produced by DGA Award winner and Emmy nominee Paul Feig (“The Office,” “Bridesmaids”), who also wrote two episodes. When a documentary crew sets out to explore the lives of residents in a small American town – their dreams, their concerns – they stumble upon the midwestern town of Flatch, which is made up of many eccentric personalities. It’s a place you want to visit and maybe even stay. If there was a decent motel. Which there is not. The comedy stars newcomer Holmes, Sam Straley (“The Kids Are Alright”), Seann William Scott (“Lethal Weapon,” “American Pie” franchise), Aya Cash (“The Boys,” “You’re the Worst”), newcomers Justin Linville and Krystal Smith, and Taylor Ortega (“Succession”). The first seven episodes of “Welcome to Flatch” can be seen across non-linear platforms, including Hulu, FOX Now and On Demand.