Cineverse vs Pluto TV

Cineverse's RetroCrush Acquires Streaming Rights to Classic Anime Series and Films from VIZ Media

Cineverse's RetroCrush acquires streaming rights to classic anime series and films from VIZ Media.

Cineverse — Streaming Company Profile

This is a State of Streaming directory page profiling Cineverse. The entry lists Cineverse as a Los Angeles–based streaming and entertainment company founded in 2000 (ticker: CNVS) that distributes independent films and content across multiple digital platforms. The profile includes links to the company website and investor press page, and appears alongside State of Streaming editorial navigation and related article links. No news event or transaction is reported — the page functions as a publisher/company directory listing rather than a breaking story.

• Cineverse is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
• Founded in 2000.
• Public ticker: CNVS.

Cineverse Launches VAUDIO to Turn Audio Ads into CTV

Cineverse Corp. launched VAUDIO, an ad-technology platform that converts existing podcast, radio and streaming audio commercials into visual connected TV placements without a traditional video shoot. VAUDIO pairs approved audio scripts and host-read endorsements with lightweight visual formats (product assets, talent imagery, moving graphics) for living room screens. The product is built on infrastructure from Cineverse’s IndiCue acquisition and integrated into its Matchpoint software ecosystem. Launch advertising partners include A24, NEON, Well Go USA, Aura Entertainment and Signature Entertainment. Cineverse projects VAUDIO could generate up to $12 million in annual revenue at a 15–20% contribution margin by the end of its fiscal year.

• Cineverse Corp. unveiled VAUDIO, a platform to convert podcast, radio and streaming audio ads into visual CTV placements without a traditional video shoot.
• VAUDIO pairs approved audio scripts and host-read endorsements with lightweight visual formats such as product assets, talent imagery and moving graphics tailored for living room screens.
• Advertising partners at launch include movie distributors A24, NEON, Well Go USA, Aura Entertainment and Signature Entertainment.

Paramount Agrees to Keep Pluto TV Running in Merger Deal

As part of the consent decree for the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, a group of state attorneys general secured a requirement that the combined company, often called 'ParaBros', must continue operating a free, ad-supported streaming service under the name Pluto TV or a comparable successor brand for at least five years. The agreement also stipulates that service and quality standards must not fall below current levels. Other conditions include boosting U.S. production, creating an editorial independence board for CBS News and CNN, and keeping cable carriage negotiations separate. Pluto TV is currently the only free, ad-supported service in either company's portfolio, with usage around 1% of U.S. TV viewing. The goal is to preserve a low-cost viewing option for consumers.

• Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery agreed to a consent decree with 12 state attorneys general.
• The combined company must keep operating a free ad-supported service named Pluto TV or a comparable successor for five years.
• Service and quality standards must be at least equal to those at the time the decree takes effect.

Pluto TV Removes Kids Mode Feature

Pluto TV has removed the Kids Mode feature from its free streaming service following a recent app update. The mode previously allowed parents to restrict the platform to age-appropriate content for children, using a PIN-protected profile. The removal comes as part of a redesigned app that shares technical infrastructure with Paramount+, featuring a recommendation-heavy interface and no dedicated kids-only profile. While Pluto TV still offers family and children's content, it is no longer separated into a restricted mode. Parents must now rely on device-level controls or supervision. The company has not yet commented on the removal or possible future reinstatement.

• Pluto TV has removed the Kids Mode feature from its free streaming service.
• The removal occurred with a redesigned app that shares technical infrastructure with Paramount+.
• The Kids Mode feature is still listed in Pluto TV's help section but is no longer available in the app.

MeTV Schedule Overhaul, Roku OS 15.3 Bug, Victory+ Shutdown, Pluto TV Redesign

This week's top cord cutting stories include MeTV's fall schedule overhaul featuring back-to-back M*A*S*H episodes and the return of classic sitcoms, a Roku OS 15.3 bug causing devices to turn on at night, the shutdown of sports streaming service Victory+, and Pluto TV's major interface update on Roku devices. MeTV's changes begin September 7, while Victory+ ceases operations after losing key sports teams. Pluto TV's redesign, built on Paramount+ technology, emphasizes personalized recommendations. These developments highlight the ongoing shifts in free and low-cost TV landscapes.

• MeTV will air four back-to-back episodes of M*A*S*H every weekday starting September 7, 2026.
• Roku OS 15.3 causes some Roku TVs and players to turn on at night and launch content unexpectedly.
• Victory+, a free ad-supported sports streaming service, ceased operations in early September 2026.