Crackle

Established player in the free ad-supported streaming video market

Crackle is a free ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming platform that offers a library of movies, television shows, and original programming to viewers at no cost. The service monetizes through advertising, making it a significant player in the ad-supported streaming ecosystem. Originally launched by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Crackle operates as a joint venture between Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television, providing advertisers with opportunities to reach cord-cutters and streaming audiences through video advertising placements. As an AVOD platform, Crackle represents an important segment of the streaming market that bridges traditional television advertising with digital streaming. The platform offers advertisers access to premium video inventory and audience targeting capabilities while providing viewers with free access to entertainment content. Crackle competes in the growing free streaming space alongside platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku Channel. The platform serves as both a content distribution channel and an advertising technology platform, utilizing programmatic advertising capabilities and direct sales to monetize its viewer base. Crackle's ad-supported model positions it within the broader AdTech ecosystem as a premium video inventory source for brands seeking to reach streaming audiences without the barriers of subscription fees.