Little Dot launches Real Stories SVOD offering with Simplestream

Production outfit Little Dot Studios has tapped technology provider Simplestream to launch a subscription video-on-demand service based on its Real Stories channel.

The SVOD service, which builds on an existing YouTube channel, will be available across international markets with the exception of the UK, where the service will be advertising-supported.

Real Stories currently offers over 300 lincesed and original documentary titles spanning crime, human interest and current affairs. The service counts over one million subscribers and 700,000 views per day.

Little Dot has expanded Real Stories from YouTube to distribute it via social media platforms Instagram and Facebook as well as Twitter.

The SVOD service will feature a mix of licensed and original content.

Little Dot has tapped Simplestream’s VOD-in-a-Box platform to launch the service, making Real Stories available on iOS mobile and tablet devices, Android mobile and tablet, and desktop computers. Launches on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV are planned for later this year. The company also plans to follow up the Real Stories launch with three additional branded services.

“It’s been fascinating to see how quickly the dynamics of video consumption have evolved in the two years since Real Stories was born – and there is such exciting opportunity to continue building the brand beyond our YouTube roots. Simplestream delivered a flexible, high quality, powerful platform for us with the opportunity to experiment with different commercial models – and further expand our features, content offering and audience reach,” said Andy Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Little Dot Studios.

“Little Dot’s hope from the beginning has been to extend this channel into an engaging, content-rich service that enables its viewers around the world to access their favourite programmes – and that’s exactly what they now have. We’re incredibly proud to have designed, built and delivered this multiplatform service for Real Stories – and look forward to continue working together in the coming months on other Little Dot brands across the globe,” said Dan Finch, chief commercial officer of Simplestream.