Redbox and Curiosity Inc. are teaming up. Redbox will promote Curiosity’s subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD), CuriosityStream. Some titles from Curiosity’s library will be available to stream on Redbox’s ad-supported video-on-demand streaming (AVOD) service, as well as its free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service.
Some Redbox customers will receive a promotional trial of CuriosityStream. Redbox will also promote CuriosityStream at its kiosks. In 2022, Redbox is introducing SVOD channels in its streaming app. CuriosityStream will be offered as a premium subscription at launch.
“Our customers will appreciate the high-quality content delivered by Curiosity Stream and we’re excited to work with them to grow their viewership through distribution of their service on the Redbox app,” said Jason Kwong, Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Redbox.
“We are thrilled to partner with Redbox as they continue to expand their video streaming offerings,” said Brandon Fong, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Distribution for Curiosity Inc. “As the leading factual entertainment service, Curiosity is ideally positioned to deliver affordable, high value entertainment to Redbox customers who want to know more about the world around them.”
Redbox has long been known for its movie rental kiosks and physical rentals are still important for the “late adopters” of streaming, according to CEO Galen Smith. However, the company is interested in bulking up its streaming options. Earlier this week, Redbox finalized a distribution deal with Lionsgate. This gives the streaming service licensing of Lionsgate’s wide selection of TV shows and movies.
As Redbox moves aggressively to enhance its streaming service, it will compete more directly with services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo. Unlike those services, Redbox allows users to rent or buy movies to have on-demand.
Curiosity Stream
Curiosity Stream is a subscription streaming service that offers 1,800+ documentaries and series on science, space, technology, nature, history, health, and more. The service was created by the Discovery Channel founder, John Hendricks, in 2015.