TF1 launches first SVOD service for kids

French broadcaster TF1 will launch TFou Max next month, the first SVOD service exclusively targeting kids in France.

Dedicated to the 3-12 demo, TFou Max will launch next month, and be available for €2.99 (US$3.40) a month for a launch period.

It will be accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets as well as connected TVs from Orange and Bouygues IPTV boxes. The service is also compatible with the Chromecast dongle and allows for offline viewing.

Rather that addressing a larger audience and having a kid section, as with rival French services Netflix and CanalPlay, TF1 is focused on kids with TFou Max. TF1 said it wants it to be the key video offering for children.

“Our key asset is the attractive price, but the broader idea is to offer premium videos and propose children things they don’t watch elsewhere. Two-thirds of the line-up is not coming from the TF1 channel,” said e-TF1 managing director Olivier Abecassis.

TFou Max builds on TF1’s existing TFou kids brand and takes advantage of synergies with other TF1’s affiliates such as TF1 Vidéo.

It will have 2,000 titles at launch and 3,000 by the end of this year. Targeting preschoolers, 6-8s and 9-12s, the line-up is 80% animation content, but also features factual and live-action programming, plus wildlife documentaries.

It will also have TFou’s exclusive kids series Calimero, Totally Spies, Maya The Bee, Lassie and Barbapapa.

TFou Max will be part of the new Family offering Orange will launch on early February and be part of Bouygues’ Bbox Miami launch. Talks with other distributors are ongoing.