As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020, the travel industry faced unprecedented challenges. For our long standing client, Viking Cruises, the crisis forced the temporary halt of their cruise operations and left tens of thousands of travellers at home instead of exploring the world. Faced with this dilemma, Viking needed a solution to keep their customers engaged and provide them with a window to the world they had planned to explore while on board. In response, Imedia8 swiftly customised and deployed the Imedia8 Live platform, sparking a journey that has since transformed the way Viking Cruises connects with their customers.
In a matter of days, the Imedia8 Live platform was tailored to Viking's needs and launched in early April 2020. From that moment forward, the platform has consistently broadcast a live or as-live video stream every single day. This daily engagement became a lifeline for Viking's community, offering a sense of connection and continuity during a time of uncertainty.
With 40,000 registered users and over 10 million views, Viking.TV quickly became an integral part of the Viking Cruises customer experience. The platform provides unique insights into people and places from around the world, offering viewers a captivating window to the destinations they should have been exploring. Beyond live broadcasts, a vast on-demand library preserves these cultural exchanges, allowing users to revisit and explore at their own pace.
In its third iteration in 2024, Viking.TV harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance administrative efficiency. AI-driven features automate tasks such as creating subtitles, transcripts, video descriptions, and internal SEO data. This innovation ensures that content production remains streamlined and efficient while maintaining high standards of quality. With a dedicated support team from Imedia8 Live, Viking.TV has grown to rival major over-the-top (OTT) providers like Netflix and Disney in terms of features and functionality.
Continuing our collaboration with Viking Cruises on the Viking.TV project has been an honour. Over the past three years, Viking.TV has received several awards, recognizing its exceptional contribution to keeping travellers connected, informed, and inspired during challenging times. It stands as a testament to the resilience of both Viking Cruises and Imedia8 Live in the face of adversity and our shared commitment to enriching the customer experience through innovative solutions.
The Viking.TV project exemplifies the power of adaptability and technology to transform the travel industry, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. Imedia8 Live's partnership with Viking Cruises has not only provided a lifeline to travellers but also redefined how businesses can engage and support their communities in times of crisis. As we look to the future, Viking.TV serves as an inspiring example of resilience, innovation, and the enduring strength of human connection.
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