Rakuten Launches "Rakuten PLAY," a Streaming Guide for Leading Video-on-demand Services in Japan

- Offers “Overall Content Ranking” of streaming services based on user surveys. Official site: https://play.rakuten.co.jp/

Rakuten Group, Inc. announced the launch of “Rakuten PLAY,” a video streaming guide that aggregates and showcases content from Rakuten TV and various other leading video-on-demand services in Japan.

Rakuten PLAY is a free service that aims to help users discover new and exciting content that they might not have found otherwise. Users can discover a wide range of titles spanning movies, dramas and anime series using recommendation articles curated by users and an Overall Content Ranking, which Rakuten calculates based on user surveys of video streaming services^*1. In addition, users who subscribe to a paid video streaming service through Rakuten PLAY are awarded with Rakuten Points^*2.

Currently, multiple video-on-demand services are available in Japan, often offering the same titles. These services also provide a variety of original and exclusive content, making it difficult for users to know what content is available on each channel. Amidst this increasingly complex landscape, Rakuten PLAY was launched to help users discover content that matches their interests.

With the launch of this streaming guide, Rakuten aims to provide a richer entertainment experience, making video streaming even more enjoyable and convenient for everyone.

Notes
*1 Rankings are calculated independently by Rakuten PLAY based on surveys of people who used video streaming services in the most recent week. Surveys are sent to registered users of internet research companies and respondents share names of the titles viewed.
*2 In order to earn Rakuten Points, users are required to register as a Rakuten member and log in via Rakuten PLAY. The Rakuten Points awarded are limited time points. Some video streaming services and titles are not applicable, and conditions may apply. For details, please refer to each title page.

Overview of Rakuten PLAY
Official site: https://play.rakuten.co.jp/ (*Japanese page)
Service launch date: June 20, 2024
Summary: A streaming guide that showcases content from various video-on-demand services in Japan.
Key Features:
・ Overall content ranking of video-on-demand services created independently by Rakuten PLAY based on survey data
・Users can create user recommendation articles for sharing content viewed with other users
・ Search features (title name, cast, etc.)
Fee: Free
*To view content, users must register for membership and use the official website of the streaming service.
Streaming services covered: Abema, Hulu, U-Next, WOWOW On Demand, Rakuten TV, R Channel, NBA Rakuten, Rakuten Pacific League Special.  More streaming services to be added soon.
Compatible devices: PC and smartphone web browsers
Official X account: https://x.com/rakutenplay

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.
*For further details, visit the Rakuten PLAY official website.