We’re in a battle for eyeballs. Discoverability is the new holy grail.
Whether it’s through mobile apps or websites, Canadian media companies and the cultural sector want you to watch our stuff, eh.
Witness the latest effort: Encore+. Find it on Youtube online or in the Youtube app.
You’ll find weekly playlists of everything from Mr. Dressup to Degrassi Junior High to Da Vinci’s Inquest. Plus over 60 features (and counting).
Encore+ is an industry engagement initiative of the Canada Media Fund.
But there are at least three other Canadian sites vying for your attention:
- Canada Screens
- First Weekend Club
- Vucavu (imho, a less-than-stellar name)
Then there’s the beloved National Film Board of Canada. They’ve gone it alone, hosting their own productions on the web and in apps.
Of course, there’s the Canadian film and television industry. See this great summary of where to watch in Canada.
Can these sites and apps take on streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video? We’re back to the battle for the eyeballs.
My take: Time will tell if any of these destinations get traction. In the meantime, my favourite way to watch is to Chromecast from a mobile device to our big screen TV in the living room. See this list of all the apps and websites that support Chromecast.