Barcroft goes D2C with TV app

UK-based factual prodco Barcroft Productions is leaping on the success of its YouTube channel by going direct-to-consumer with free TV app.

This will comprise with 700 episodes of Barcroft programming – the company’s entire catalogue – and third party content at launch.

The Barcroft TV app will offer its in-house content exclusively for 24 hours before it lands on the popular Barcroft YouTube channel, which has 3.25 million subscribers.

Programming will be curated from YouTube brands Barcroft TV, Barcroft Animals and Barcroft Cars, including Born Different, Hooked on the Look, Cute as Fluff and Dog Dynasty (pictured)

Digital distributor MoMedia worked with Barcroft on the app technology and monetisation strategy, which will be in the form or pre-roll advertising

“We are fast becoming the factual TV brand for the digital generation,” said Sam Barcroft, CEO of Barcroft Media. “Linear channels have largely abandoned commissioning factual programming for the under 30s, which gives us a huge opportunity.

“We understand our audience, and as we approach the milestone of three billion YouTube views on BTV, we feel the time’s right to make it easier to enjoy our content wherever you are, whenever you want.”

The app will be available on multiple devices and platforms, including Roku set-top boxes, Now TV, iOS mobile systems, Android, Windows 8 and smart TVs.