iWorld
Apple tv+ makes seven shows free
MUMBAI: People around the world who have been going through a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic can watch seven original TV series on Apple TV+ without a subscription.
Instead of giving access to the full collections of Apple TV, it has made available select shows free.
People can watch the series through the Apple TV+ app, which has been made available on devices like iPads, iPhones, compatible smart TV sets, and select Roku and Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, etc.
The titles available now are: spin-off series Snoopy in Space, Wildlife documentary The Elephant Queen, historical comedy-drama Dickinson, US immigrant anthology series Little America, M. Night Shymalan’s thriller series Servant, alternative-history space drama For All Mankind, live-action preschool series Helpsters, the Ghostwriter reboot about a group of mystery-solving kids, and the new Peanuts animated.
This month, Apple TV+ will debut five titles. Some of the prominent titles include the much-awaited Defending Jacob mini-series starring Chris Evans and the Beastie Boys Story documentary.
iWorld
Frodoh, Chaupal introduce non-intrusive first-screen ads for OTT platforms
New ad-tech layer unlocks revenue without interrupting OTT viewing
MUMBAI: Frodoh has partnered with regional OTT platform Chaupal to roll out what it calls an industry-first “first-screen” monetisation framework, aimed at helping subscription-led streaming services generate additional revenue without interrupting content viewing.
The new model focuses on connected TV home screens, introducing ad formats that sit within the discovery layer rather than the content itself. In simple terms, viewers may notice subtle brand placements while browsing, but once they hit play, the experience remains ad-free.
The technology is designed to tap into high-attention areas such as session depth, viewing intent and discovery behaviour, turning previously unused interface space into monetisable real estate. For OTT platforms, this opens up a fresh revenue stream without diluting the premium experience that subscribers expect.
Chaupal chief executive officer Sandeep Bansal said the move balances growth with user trust. “By partnering with Frodoh, we are introducing a sophisticated ‘first-screen’ monetisation layer that integrates seamlessly into our UI, ensuring discovery remains native and non-intrusive while keeping content consumption ad-free.”
From Frodoh’s side, the pitch is clear: expand the ad pie without cluttering the screen. Frodoh founder and chief executive officer Russhabh R Thakkar said the framework creates a new category of advertising by unlocking high-visibility home screen inventory that was previously untapped.
Industry watchers see this as part of a broader shift in OTT monetisation strategies, especially as subscription platforms look to diversify revenue without risking churn. With connected TV usage rising steadily, the home screen is quickly becoming the next battleground for attention.
If the model scales, this partnership could signal a subtle but significant shift in how OTT platforms monetise, proving that sometimes, the most valuable ad space is the one you see before the show even begins.
