7Plus will add more free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels to its offering in 2023.
The Seven Network’s digital offering is already home to more than 40 FAST channels, which offer online audiences a linear viewing experience with a curated selection of channel brands.
Seven said combined with more advanced targeting, the library of exclusive content and overall program line-up, the new channels would set 7Plus up for its biggest year in 2023.
The network was, however, light on the details around what the new channels would be and what content would be housed within them. Instead, its announcement as part of its 2023 Upfronts event focused on advertising opportunities and technological innovation.
Gereurd Roberts, Seven West Media’s chief digital officer, highlighted the scale of the content which would be on offer.
“Our FAST channels have streamed over 300 million minutes so far in 2022 and have been a driver of growth for 7Plus, as people embrace the ‘lean-back’ experience of watching a curated, scheduled channel,” he said.
“Our incredible personalisation technology, considered the benchmark globally, will also drive further audience engagement on 7Plus, as we use AWS technology to further enhance our user experience and cement 7Plus as the leading free streaming service in Australia.
“Viewers are watching more content than ever before, and there is more content available than ever before, so helping our audiences find curated content that matches their specific interests has never been more important.”
Nicole Bence, Seven West Media’s national sales director for digital, said in 2023, the network is focused on delivering the viewing experience of the future and growing 7Plus through personalisation, shoppable ad innovation and new, data-driven FAST channels.
“Our new personalisation technology uses custom machine learning models that deliver highly personalised recommendations to viewers and creating highly addressable audiences for brands to connect with. This is something no other Australian-based BVOD competitor can match,” she said.
“For our clients and agency partners, this means aligning their brands alongside the vast library of 7Plus premium content that is customised to the individual user in the most impactful and targeted way. This improves the overall customer journey and delivers the best experience for our audiences and advertisers.
“Combined with our exciting new shoppable solutions, Visa partnership and powerful first party data insights from 7REDiQ, Seven is providing a powerful opportunity for brands to get closer to their target audience than ever before.”