UPDATE: I just learned that the app will only be accessible outside the USA. The press release I received didn’t state this explicitly, but I received an email alerting me to this significant change. So, sorry, it’s not available to USA customers.
Viacom International Media Networks today announced the launch of BET Play, Viacom’s first-ever direct-to-consumer, subscription video on demand (SVOD) application for the adult audience, giving fans in 100 countries direct mobile access to BET’s signature award shows, current and classic television series, documentaries, standup comedy, entertainment news and musical performances.
BET Play offers fans an opportunity to watch English-language BET content on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as AirPlay-enabled television sets, without the need for a broader pay TV subscription.
The launch of the BET Play streaming app is timed to coincide with this year’s star-studded 2016 BET Awards, with returning hosts Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, already-announced performances by Alicia Keys, Maxwell and more, and a planned tribute to legendary musician Prince featuring performances by Sheila E., The Roots, D’Angelo and Janelle Monae.
BET Play is available now for download on iOS and Android devices for a subscription fee of $3.99 a month. Beginning today, fans signing up for the service can experience BET Play with a seven-day trial free of charge.
“The launch of BET Play significantly expands the brand’s geographic availability by making it available direct to consumer in many markets where it has not previously had an established presence on TV,” said Michael D. Armstrong, Executive Vice President and General Manager, International Brand Development, Viacom International Media Networks.
BET Play offers hundreds of current long form episodes from sixteen global franchises, including “Being Mary Jane” starring Gabrielle Union, “Real Husbands of Hollywood” starring Kevin Hart, “Chasing Destiny” starring Kelly Rowland, “Zoe Ever After” starring Brandy Norwood, and classic interviews from “106 & PARK,” in addition to digital-first short-form original series such as “#BLX,” quick clips, musical performances, and more.
BET Play is also the only place to watch live streams of BET’s tent-pole events and awards shows, including the BET Awards (June 26, 2016 at 8PM EDT), BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards. The BET Play app also features a live linear feed of BET Soul, the source for all soul music including: R&B, Neo Soul, Alternative Soul, Classic Soul, relative Hip Hop, and Caribbean music.
BET Play reaches an international audience where they live – smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices – and creates a tailored experience for each of these screens.
“For people around the world who love Black culture, BET Play will enable fans to access our content when and where they want it,” said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks.
BET Play will be available in 100 markets internationally. Watch a promo of BET Play below:
