Swiss distributor CosmoBlue Media expands AVoD offering with acquisition of YouLook.tv

Switzerland-based CosmoBlue Media has acquired UK-based AVoD and FAST channels operator YouLook.tv as the company continues to grow its portfolio of streaming services and content distribution platforms.

Ola Steinsrud

The strategic deal sees CosmoBlue position YouLook as its primary AVoD brand. It will now host all of CosmoBlue’s AVoD and FAST services, reinforcing the company’s expansion in the Nordics and internationally. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded by CEO Ola Steinsrud in 2020, YouLook has multiple channels operating throughout the Nordics and Benelux, with a reach of eight million homes. They include two film channels, factual-focused YouLook Docs and motorsport-skewing YouLook Motor.

The service includes both on-demand content and linear FAST channels, accessible without subscription or registration. CosmoBlue said the acquisition enhances its distribution capabilities and provides better viewing for viewers and new engagement opportunities for advertisers.

In recent months, CosmoBlue has been steadily growing its offering. In December last year, it struck a deal with Caracol TV to buy a number of the Colombian network’s series, such as El Secretario and La Bruja.

Prior to that, in September, CosmoBlue acquired 100% of family entertainment group Macademia, owner of children’s streaming services Azoomee and Da Vinci. It also took over short film streaming platform sofy.tv.

CosmoBlue was set up by founders Berk Uziyel and Loni Farhi after the two sold their Europe-based channels operator SPI International to French pay TV operator Canal+.

Aziz Bora Durmaz, chief legal officer at CosmoBlue, said: “This expansion is a significant step in CosmoBlue Media’s AVoD strategy. By consolidating all AVoD and FAST services under YouLook, we are creating a unified and focused team dedicated to quality curation, enhanced reporting and smart ad placement. This positions YouLook as a leading solution in the evolving AVoD market.”