Complex Networks’ collection of short-form digital content will now be available on the ad-supported streaming service Pluto TV, the entertainment company announced Tuesday morning.
Under the partnership with the Viacom-owned streaming TV service, Complex’s content will be available through its own 24/7 channel and as part of Pluto TV’s growing library of on-demand content. Shows coming to the channel include “Sneaker Shopping,” “Everyday Struggle,” “Complex News,” and “The Burger Show,” among others.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pluto TV,” Myles O’Connell, SVP of Distribution for Complex, said. “Their unique approach to reaching diverse audiences across multiple platforms aligns perfectly with Complex’s commitment to providing entertaining and evergreen premium content to viewers, regardless of device or screen.”
Owned by Verizon and Hearst Media, Complex is a digital brand that produces content targeted at younger, male audiences. The company’s programming, which is distributed across its social channels, spans across popular culture from music to movies, sports to video games, and fashion to food. Its YouTube page reaches 3.5 million subscribers and has a total of 1 billion views since launching in 2015.
In addition to distributing content on YouTube and Pluto TV, Complex has licensed 16 of its existing series to Netflix and Hulu. The third season of its unscripted series “QB1: Beyond the Lights” landed at Netflix, while “Sneaker Shopping,” “The Burger Show,” and “Complex Closets” were picked up by Hulu.
Complex Networks also has licensing deals with cable networks Fuse and MSG and a partnership with international streaming service iFlix, which brings its shows to countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines.
Complex’s entrance on Pluto TV comes at a time when connected TV use among Americans makes up 56% of all streaming viewing hours for 2018, according to the real-time measurement and intelligence platform Conviva. As a result of the growth in popularity, publishers have turned to free streaming TV services such as Pluto TV and Xumo, which are typically streamed on connected TVs, as a way to maximize distribution.
Launched in 2014, Pluto TV has over 70 content partners, 100+ free channels, and a growing collection of on-demand content. The company, which was acquired by Viacom for $340 million in January, currently reaches over 15 million monthly active users.