Viaplay reports big increase in viewing as Coronavirus spreads

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group)’s Viaplay streaming service has reported a surge in viewing figures following the outbreak of Coronavirus across the region.

Anders Jensen

The total number of streamed minutes on Viaplay across the Nordics (excluding sports coverage) was up by 44% last week compared to the same period in 2019 and up 13% compared to the previous week.

Started streams and streamed minutes (again, excluding sports coverage) were up by 25% and 21%, respectively, this past Saturday and Sunday, when compared to the previous weekend.

Transaction VOD consumption (TVOD) was up by 64% on Saturday and Sunday when compared to the previous weekend, with the greatest increases seen in children’s movies.

Sports package subscribers also watched 34% more minutes and started 25% more streams of non-sports, although NENT yesterday admitted that the cancellation of events was having an “adverse impact” on the group’s performance.

Anders Jensen, NENT Group President and CEO: “We are facing an unprecedented situation that is evolving every day, but we remain in good shape and are fully focused on navigating our business through these difficult times.

“Our top priorities are the wellbeing of our employees and continuing to deliver the best possible value to our customers. The temporary price reduction on our Viaplay direct to consumer sports packages has been received well, and it is good to see that viewing levels on Viaplay are increasing significantly and the customer base is continuing to grow.

“We are adding more and more short-term alternatives in sports and even more of the great original productions, series, movies and kids’ content that make Viaplay the Nordic region’s leading streaming service and home of great entertainment experiences.”