Observed Signal · Apr 8, 2026 · Platform Listing · Source: State of Streaming · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
State of Streaming Adds WatchFree+ Profile
State of Streaming's publisher page lists WatchFree+, Vizio’s built-in free streaming app. The page identifies WatchFree+ as offering 250+ live channels on Vizio SmartCast TVs and shows corporate details: Parent listed as Walmart Inc., headquarters in Irvine, CA, and founded in 2020. The directory entry links to related corporate properties (Vizio Streaming App, Walmart Connect DSP) and notes there is no editorial coverage yet for WatchFree+ on the site.
Directory/company profile with basic product and corporate details; limited new or actionable AdTech information.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WatchFree+ is described as Vizio's built-in free streaming service offering 250+ live channels on Vizio SmartCast TVs.
- The directory entry lists WatchFree+'s parent as Walmart Inc., HQ: Irvine, CA, and Founded: 2020.
- State of Streaming hosts the publisher profile and links related corporate entities (Vizio Streaming App and Walmart Connect DSP).
- The page states there is no editorial coverage yet for WatchFree+ on State of Streaming.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Vizio profile: SmartCast, ACR and ad inventory
Vizio is a connected-TV streaming platform and device maker whose SmartCast OS and automatic content recognition (ACR) deliver glass-level viewing data across inputs. The platform offers home-screen and native ad placements, enabling high-impact ad inventory at the point of content discovery. Vizio operates the WatchFree+ FAST service and is part of the Walmart corporate family; Walmart completed an acquisition of Vizio in 2024. Historical milestones listed include Vizio’s 2002 founding (as AmTran Technology), a 2015 NYSE IPO (VZIO), a 2021 launch of WatchFree+, and the 2024 acquisition by Walmart for $2.3B. The publisher page aggregates State of Streaming coverage and links to related news items (e.g., home-screen ad takeovers with FOX, partnerships and product announcements).
Walmart's Vizio Bets on MrBeast, Holiday Films for Streaming
Walmart-owned Vizio is significantly investing in its free ad-supported streaming service, WatchFree+, to boost advertising opportunities for brands. The company announced new content partnerships with major studios including MGM, NBCUniversal, Disney, A&E, and A24, and will add creator-led channels from digital personalities such as MrBeast, Hot Ones, and others. Vizio is also producing its first original feature-length holiday film, 'Jingle Bells Wedding Bells,' starring Rachel Bilson and Scott Foley, with GEICO as presenting sponsor. These moves aim to attract high-income viewers and Walmart's suppliers and marketplace sellers to advertise on the platform. WatchFree+ has grown to reach 27 million devices, a 25% year-over-year increase, with viewing hours up 58% year-over-year.
Walmart-Owned Vizio Sets Original Film Starring Rachel Bilson And Scott Foley, Adds Film & TV Titles In Big Expansion
Smart-TV maker Vizio, which was acquired by Walmart in 2024, is bringing to market an original holiday movie and more programming from premium suppliers and creators in a major content expansion. The initiative, unveiled Wednesday during Advertising Week in New York, is designed to...
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