Comcast’s video streaming service has entered beta

We’ve been hearing about Comcast’s new video streaming service for a few weeks, but the company surprised us today with an unexpected beta release of the service, known as Watchable. The app is ad-supported and free, which is good because even with video programming from the likes of BuzzDeed, Machinima, Vice, the Onion, and more, the content offerings are still small at the moment. It’s currently only available on Comcast’s X1 box, iOS, and the web. 

Comcast just announced the launch of its Watchable video streaming service we first learned about last month. The free, ad-supported app, now available on iOS, the web, and Comcast’s X1 set-top box, collects video programming from AwesomenessTV, BuzzFeed, Maker Studios, Machinima, NBCUniversal, Vice, The Onion, and others including Vox Media (The Verge’s parent company). “Over time, we’ll add additional network partners, make the experience more personalized, and include new options to share content with friends,” Comcast said in a statement. The beta release comes as telecom giants try to capture the eyeballs that’ve grown hooked on content from these video producers. Verizon recently rolled out Go90, its own take on a video app aimed at millennials. “We think Watchable can be a unique place that curates and distributes the best content from some of the most recognized brands and producers on the web,” Comcast said.