QYOU Media (TSXV:QYOU) has entered into a new distribution agreement with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to bring its curated online video content to the Ericsson Unified Delivery Network (UDN) ecosystem. The programming deal is intended to create new monetization opportunities for both businesses by reaching millennial audiences on connected TVs and set-top boxes.
Ericsson's UDN was established in 2016 as an alternative to traditional content delivery network (CDN) business models, by leveraging Ericsson's global service provider partnerships. The UDN ecosystem is intended to help service providers, content providers and IPTV providers worldwide to deliver over-the-top (OTT) services and video content.
Ericsson will deliver QYOU content over UDN to existing customers, while also introducing QYOU's millennial-focused programming to Ericsson's service provider customer base. The ad-supported content distribution model is designed to create new monetization opportunities for QYOU, Ericsson and service providers.
In addition, Ericsson will distribute The QYOU app on connected TVs and set-top boxes. There will also be provision for QYOU to add localized content to new connected devices and new markets.
Marcus Bergstrom, director of UDN Program and Strategy at Ericsson, said: "Many of the world's largest service providers and content providers use our UDN ecosystem to deliver content to connected customers around the world. With many millennials opting for skinny bundles or free short-form content online through social media, there is an opportunity to use our network to add value, and to monetize the content that clearly appeals to this hard-to-reach market segment. QYOU's best-of-web content will provide our partner and customers with a ready means to attract and retain younger subscribers."