Vizio to launch 12 free kids channels on SmartCast

The Lego Channel

TV maker Vizio will launch 12 kids and family linear TV channels to its SmartCast OS in the US.

Vizio, which claims to be the number one US-based TV brand and top sound bar maker in the country, said that the new 24-hour TV channels will “bring kid-friendly entertainment to millions of viewers across America.”

The company said that the trend towards staying at home across the country has led to increased engagement for its apps, with child-oriented apps already saw around 35% more engagement than on average.

The channels being launched include Ameba, Brat TV, Giggle Mug, HappyKids Junior, HappyKids.tv, Kid Gamer TV, Kidoodle.TV, The Official LEGO Channe, SQAD​, Tankee Gaming​, Toon Goggles, and WowNow Kids.

They can be found in the free channels section of the SmartCast OS home screen, and complement over 200 other free linear channels covering genres including news, movies and sport. The company also said that upcoming updates will add personalised viewing recommendations based on frequently used streaming channels and family-friendly content reviews from Common Sense Media.
Katherine Pond, VP of business development for Vizio, said: “Today Vizio is making thousands of hours of free childrens’ programming available to our SmartCast users, as people increasingly make streaming part of their daily routines.

With the uncertainty of the upcoming school year, parents will be looking for alternate ways to entertain and educate their children from inside the home. Vizio is pleased to make these programs available to ensure high quality content for children and peace of mind for parents.”