Crackle Connex Strengthens Partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon Publisher Direct
Expanded Collaboration for Enhanced Video Advertising Capabilities
COS COB, Conn., March 8, 2024 — Crackle Connex, the advertising sales division of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (NASDAQ: CSSE), announced today its expanded collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon Publisher Direct to offer innovative advertising solutions for its AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) services. This strategic partnership empowers Crackle Connex to deliver premium advertising experiences to viewers while providing Amazon DSP (Demand-Side Platform) advertisers with a broader reach across multiple devices.
Streamlined Integration and Enhanced Supply for Amazon DSP Advertisers
Crackle Connex has implemented a streamlined integration path between Elemental MediaTailor from AWS and Amazon Publisher Direct, enabling seamless supply to Amazon DSP advertisers across various devices. This integration optimizes ad delivery, ensuring that Amazon DSP advertisers can effectively reach Crackle Connex’s vast audience.
Additionally, Redbox, a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, will launch a stand-alone app on Fire TV later this year. This move expands the Crackle Connex premium AVOD inventory and makes it available through Amazon Publisher Direct. Redbox’s entry into the Fire TV platform broadens the company’s reach and provides advertisers with access to a highly engaged audience.
Introducing Interactive Video Ads: Engaging Viewers and Driving Conversions
Crackle Connex is poised to become one of the first third-party publishers to support Amazon’s Interactive Video Ads. This innovative ad format allows Amazon DSP advertisers to activate interactive ads via Amazon Publisher Direct. Interactive Video Ads revolutionize the viewing experience by enabling consumers to learn more about products, add items to their Amazon shopping carts using their voice or remote, and engage with brands in a more immersive and interactive manner.
Interactive Video Ads will initially be available on the Crackle app, followed by the Chicken Soup for the Soul and Redbox apps shortly after. This rollout across multiple platforms ensures that advertisers can leverage this engaging format to reach a wide audience and drive conversions.
Philippe Guelton, Chief Revenue Officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, expresses his enthusiasm for the expanded partnership with Amazon:
“Working with Amazon Publisher Direct grants us access to cutting-edge capabilities and allows us to leverage their growing offerings for the video advertising community. The interoperability between our platforms will unlock new opportunities for Crackle Connex, enabling us to provide world-class streaming programming while benefiting from Amazon Publisher Direct’s enhanced video advertising support.”
About Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) is a leading provider of premium content for value-conscious consumers. The company operates three flagship AVOD streaming services: Redbox, Crackle, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. It also offers Redbox Free Live TV, a free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST), with nearly 180 FAST channels, as well as a transaction video on demand (TVOD) service. Additionally, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment operates a network of approximately 29,000 kiosks across the US for DVD rentals. Through its Screen Media and Chicken Soup for the Soul TV Group subsidiaries, the company creates, acquires, and distributes films and TV series, providing original and exclusive content to its viewers. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, the publisher of the renowned book series and producer of super-premium pet food under the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand name.
Forward-Looking Statements and Available Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Information regarding the acquisition of Redbox and related transactions is qualified by reference to the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.
