Go beyond the browser and into the family room with BLOX OTT. Our latest update is packed with enhanced, engagement boosting, features to help you provide a high-quality video experience on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Here are eight new things you can do with TownNews' cutting-edge connected TV app suite.
1. Monetize your videos with improved programmatic ad targeting
Videos on BLOX OTT can now provide even more parameter information for ad vendors including device ID, device user agent, app domain, and more. Advertising can be sold based upon these parameters which allows for better performance in programmatic advertising and header bidding. This improves targeting, provides a higher revenue lift, and increases backfill opportunities.
2. Let viewers pick up where they left off, regardless of device
Viewers who have signed in can "Continue Watching" videos whether they begin on your channel on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV, or your BLOX CMS website or BLOX Now mobile app. Previously started videos include a progress bar showing how much has been watched and videos resume right where viewers left off.
For example, a reader may see a headline in one of your email newsletters on their phone, click the link to the video on your site, start watching, and decide to continue watching on their TV. It's almost like magic, and it's easy with BLOX OTT.
3. Showcase more content with related videos
Another great feature for signed-in users is Recommended Videos. This enhanced feature suggests related videos based upon a user's watch history and interests. If a user has not signed in, the Recommended Videos category displays a customizable call to action prompting users to sign in for recommended content.
"Recommended Videos" requires participation in iQ Engage.
4. Enable viewers to save videos from any device to watch later
Saved Videos works on every BLOX OTT app, whether viewers are signed in or not. For viewers who do sign in, Saved Videos works cross-platform on BLOX OTT, BLOX CMS sites, and BLOX Now mobile apps. When a user saves a video on your website, they can easily find it in the Saved Videos category on your connected TV channel or mobile app. Users who choose not to sign in can still save videos on the device or platform they're currently using to watch at a later time.
5. Collect first-party data by allowing users to sign in
Viewers can now register and sign in to your connected TV apps using an optional activation code. Registration provides you with enhanced analytics and allows users to unlock additional features such as Continue Watching, Recommended Videos, and Saved Videos.
Users will be shown an activation screen when they first download your app. From there they'll be given an activation code and directions to a URL on your BLOX CMS site. Activating this code signs users into your BLOX OTT app.
6. Engage viewers with video previews
Don't let users get stuck mindlessly scrolling through videos. With the new preview player, any highlighted video on the home screen will begin to play automatically. The preview also displays descriptions along with the day and date associated with the selected video. Any pre-roll ads won't play until the video is clicked on and played in full screen mode. This gives viewers a glimpse into what the video is about and encourages them to engage with your content.
7. Promote your next live stream
Inform viewers when your next live stream will be happening with a promotional thumbnail. Used in conjunction with your live stream feed and schedule, this thumbnail allows you to promote when the next available program will be. No more "no content available" messaging when your live stream is inactive. This keeps viewers on the home page, while also letting them know when your next program will be.
8. Carry your branding over to your connected TV channel
At our November 2021 customer webinar, Susan Bell, senior product manager at TownNews, highlighted new and exciting enhancements for BLOX OTT.…
With the newly expanded customizations panel in the BLOX CMS admin, you can change your connected TV apps' colors, text, icons, background, and more. Customize your app design, activation screen, podcast view, about page, continue watching, search, recommended content, programming guide, and mobile settings. Changes go live nearly instantly (after a short caching cycle), and do not require a full app update. Click here for a demonstration of the customization panel from our recent webinar.
Ready to get started? Check out our documentation. We'll work with you to make sure your app is updated and ready to be released in the various stores.
Interested in learning more about BLOX OTT? Contact your sales representative today.
