ABS-CBNmobile steps up audience reach through its digital shows

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN is getting more and more aggressive in expanding its audience reach through various digital platforms with shows that cater to everyone and satisfy one’s viewing pleasure either at home or outside of it.

Just recently, seven new shows were formally launched on ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives which can be accessed on the website via smartphone, PC, laptop and tablet. They are Squad Goals, Kikinang-Kinang, Dear Alex, Hashtags Uncovered, Shookt, Seen Zone and Roleta ng Fortune.

According to business unit head Marcus Vinuya, in an intervew with The STAR after the presscon, show contents are no longer limited to radio, TV and movies. They are now “in our pockets because it is through smartphones where we can now also watch contents. Every time one wishes to watch something on one’s phone, one can have an easy access now. With ABS-CBN Exclusives, the shows have the story-telling and production value of ABS-CBN.”

All shows are in short form with each show lasting only from five to 20 minutes. The hosts, he said, are a combination of upcoming stars like Jervy Li a.k.a Kaladkaren for Kikinang-kinang, and such popular Kapamilya stars as Alex Gonzaga for Dear Alex, KissMarc and MayWard loveteams of Kisses Delavin and Marco Gallo, and Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, respectively, for Squad Goals.

Marcus made it clear that ABS-CBN Exclusives is not an extension of free TV.

“It’s more of the Kapamilya network’s version of what is happening on the digital space. Our aim is to provide quality shows in short form na pwedeng ma-absorb ng mga tao during their breaks or whenever they wish to be entertained while stuck in traffic.” 

Business unit head Marcus Vinuya

That’s why, Marcus added, their digital shows will not in any way compete with Kapamilya TV shows.

“I think digital shows are more suited for people outside of their homes kaya di siya makikipag compete sa TV kasi when you watch TV, more often nasa bahay ka lang.”

Although there will be shows meant for TV that can be watched online through Seen Zone, Marcus stressed, they are not reruns or replays but materials that were shelved or put on hold.

“We have a library of shows and our group is tasked to repurpose materials from the ABS-CBN library like mga pilots na di umere which had incurred costs so for them not to be wasted, we’ve decided to use them kasi sayang naman kung di mapapanood.”

The first seven shows are just the beginning of offering short yet interesting features online. Each show can either be seen for several seasons or on few episodes. Squad Goals and Dear Alex are scheduled for two seasons.

“Actually, Lauren (Dyogi, head of TV Production) wants us to be a factory of top concepts because you’ll never know what is going to work on digital unlike sa TV na given na hit ang teleserye. Digital is like a big playground that you won’t know what will work until we air it so at least we are given the liberty to play around different concepts, kaya marami kaming bago na pwedeng ipalabas.”

For a show to last, the number of views will also be taken into consideration. 

Asked how did they select a show, Marcus said, “Whatever we produce, we always consider some sort of service to give to our audience like in Squad Goals, you may see them na parang nagkukulitan lang but while watching you’ll get to know some DIYs (do it yourself) to help you or your kids do things.”

There are interactive shows, too, like Dear Alex in which members of the audience can send an e-mail or tweet problems they wish to be solved with the help of Alex who is tasked to give advice on matters of the heart.

Those who are interested to know more about their favorite Kapamilya stars can check out Kikinang-kinang with Kaladkaren doing the interviews and fun challenges with celebrities. 

Hashtags members, on the other hand, will give viewers an idea of what is life for them behind the camera via Hashtags Uncovered, while Mr. Fu will go out on the streets to challenge people in accepting a fun, crazy dare for P1,000 in Roleta of Fortune.

Meanwhile, Shookt retells some of the creepiest stories one cannot possibly believe they happened for real, originally told through Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK).

Also included in the exclusive offerings is The Hacks where subscribers who are fans of La Luna Sangre can join in challenges via Moonchasers.ph.