As the upfronts roar on, Univision (they reach 97% of Hispanic households in the US) is the latest TV brand to make major digital and social announcements. The network announced today at their upfront the launch of UVideo Digital Network and a brand new social experience with Facebook. We interviewed Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media and Enterprise Development about the big announcements.
According to their announcement, “Univision will kick-off live chats with its personalities and celebrities through Facebook Platform.” As part of the launch of the UVideos network, “Facebook will be threaded throughout the experience allowing viewers to see what their friends are watching, follow celebrities, have access to exclusive content and join the conversation with Univision’s synched social stream.” Conroy provided Lost Remote with an in depth look at these major social integrations they’re launching.
Lost Remote: Why is Univision launching the UVideos Digital Network?
Kevin Conroy: At Univision we recognize our audience is younger, over-indexes on social and mobile and loves our content. Our mission is connect viewers to the best Hispanic Digital Network anytime, anywhere, and across any device – and that’s UVideos. Content consumption has unequivocally changed, people want to consume from any given screen or device, and we are committed to delivering quality content – Hispanic America’s favorite content, regardless of platform.
LR: What gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets and connected TVs will it be available on?
Conroy: We are working with our distributors including DISH and AT&T, leveraging platforms such as iOS and Android, and our partners to connect our viewers to the best in Hispanic programming – across the devices that are important to them. The UVideos Digital Network will continue to grow, onto game consoles and connected devices over the course of the year to make UVideos a truly “everywhere, anytime” network.
LR: What will the social features be?
Conroy: UVideos makes it easy for the audience to discover, watch, discuss and share the best Hispanic Video content – instantly. That starts with having the best content, and then encourages viewers to join the conversation about our content. The UVideos Digital Network brings together all elements of social content consumption; it will feature check-ins, social streams, alerts and bonus content for audiences to connect with each other and with Univision personalities. We are working closely with Facebook to present some of those experiences in a very innovative way.
LR: Will there be a second screen experience?
Conroy: Absolutely. We are committed to delivering a threaded companion experience to our audience across platforms that connects and engages users with their favorite content.
LR: How will this make Univision content more social?
Conroy: Social tools and engagement are central to any Univision effort and as part of UVideos Digital Network we are expanding these elements more than ever. In fact today we are announcing Facebook will be threaded throughout UVideos allowing viewers to see what their friends are watching, follow celebrities, have access to exclusive content and join the conversation with Univision’s synched social stream.
Social is officially moving beyond just a marketing tool, it is being included strategically throughout programming decision online and on-air.