STV Player launches VIP rewards programme to engage users

Scottish broadcaster STV’s STV Player on-demand service has launched a rewards programme, laying claim to be the first broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD) platform to introduce a scheme of its kind in the UK.

The new free service, STV Player VIP, offers a range of benefits to its members, including no pre-roll adverts so they can access content without delay, personalised email recommendations, and the opportunity to win prizes each month.

VIPs will be entered into a monthly prize draw every time they stream a new episode on STV Player, meaning they will effectively be rewarded for watching more TV, according to STV. A trio of 55” Hisense 4K TVs will be won as part of June’s prize draw, while 12 pairs of tickets to various Euro 2020 fixtures were awarded to VIPs when the service soft-launched last month.

Participating users need to opt-in to receiving email updates from STV when signing up for a Player account. Users who are already registered can upgrade to a VIP membership by updating their account settings.

STV Player, which is now available on all major platforms across the UK, grew its userbase by 68% in 2020.

In Scotland, the platform offers Channel 3 network content such as Coronation Street and The Masked Dancer. Elsewhere in the UK, STV Player provides over 3,000 hours of free drama, sport and factual entertainment programming.

Richard Williams, Managing Director, Digital at STV, said: “Our audience has grown substantially over the last year and we’re keen to build an even stronger connection with those people who choose to spend their valuable time on the sofa with STV Player.

“We all know how tricky it can be to pick that next great boxset, but STV Player VIP allows us to provide our audience with personalised recommendations for the shows we know they’ll love, and even gives them a chance to win incredible prizes simply by pressing play. As we continue to add more must-see content to the platform, we hope this rewards scheme will give viewers even more reason to make STV Player their free TV streaming service of choice.”