Who Owns Vudu?
Vudu is a digital movie and TV show streaming service owned by Discovery, Inc. a leading American media conglomerate. With its headquarters in New York City, Discovery, Inc. is one of the largest media companies in the world, operating a vast range of brands and businesses across film, television, broadcasting, and digital media.
History of Vudu
Vudu was launched in 2014 as a streaming service focused on delivering popular movies and TV shows on demand. The company was founded by Discovery, Inc., which had previously acquired several other streaming services, including:
- Muse Media: A digital movie rental service launched in 2011.
- MandM Retail: A digital movie rental service launched in 2006.
- Variety Digital: A digital entertainment service launched in 2007.
- Fandango: A ticketing and online ordering service launched in 1996.
Acquisition by Discovery, Inc.
In 2014, Discovery, Inc. acquired Vudu from Lionsgate, Inc. for approximately $600 million. The acquisition was a strategic move by Discovery, Inc. to expand its streaming services and offer a more comprehensive entertainment solution to its subscribers.
Who Owns Vudu Today?
As of 2021, Vudu is owned by Discovery, Inc. a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol DSCO**. Discovery, Inc. is a large media conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands and businesses, including:
- Discovery Channel: A cable and satellite television network that airs a wide range of programming, including documentary series, reality TV shows, and children’s content.
- Animal Planet: A cable and satellite television network that airs a wide range of programming focused on animals and wildlife.
- Discovery Health: A digital media company that produces and distributes documentaries, science and technology programming, and educational content.
- Fauna: A digital media company that produces and distributes documentaries, reality TV shows, and lifestyle content.
Revenue and Operations
Vudu generates revenue primarily through subscription fees, as well as advertising and sales of additional products and services, such as DVDs and Blu-rays. In 2020, Vudu reported:
- Revenue: $725 million
- Subscriber base: 8 million subscribers
- Content library: Over 30,000 titles
Features and Services
Vudu offers a range of features and services, including:
- HD and 4K streaming: Vudu streams all content in high definition and 4K resolution, providing an immersive viewing experience.
- Free trials: Vudu offers free trials of select titles to encourage viewers to try out new content.
- Rewards program: Vudu’s Vudu Rewards program rewards subscribers with points for every dollar spent, redeemable for free rentals and experiences.
- Extra features: Vudu also offers Extra Features, which include wireless controls, Expanded Graphics, and Enhanced 3D content.
Competition and Market Trends
Vudu competes in the digital movie and TV show streaming market, where Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are currently dominant players. However, Vudu has positioned itself as a unique offering, with its focus on:
- Lower prices: Vudu’s pricing strategy aims to offer competitive prices on popular titles, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious viewers.
- Wider selection: Vudu’s content library is designed to appeal to a broader range of tastes and interests, including fans of genre movies, documentary series, and kids’ content.
- Streamable apps: Vudu’s streaming apps are available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Conclusion
Vudu, owned by Discovery, Inc., is a digital movie and TV show streaming service that offers a unique range of features and services to its subscribers. With its focus on affordability, diversity, and exclusivity, Vudu has established itself as a major player in the digital entertainment market. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, Vudu is well-positioned to remain a major player, providing a compelling entertainment solution for viewers around the world.