Rakuten TV is expanding its Enterprise business into the US, the Middle East and Japan, combining the international rollout of its own free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels with technology services for other platforms.
Announced at MIPCOM by CEO and president Cédric Dufour, the move marks the Barcelona-based company’s first expansion beyond Europe. Its approach varies by market: licensing movie channels to platforms in the US and Middle East, while providing technical integration for parent Rakuten Group’s R Channels in Japan.
The expansion comes two years after the launch of Rakuten TV Enterprise. The division helps content owners, broadcasters and other partners launch, manage and monetise FAST channels and streaming applications. Its services span channel distribution, content management, technical infrastructure and ad monetisation.
In the US, Rakuten TV Comedy and Rakuten TV Action are now available on the TCLtv+ app, with further platform launches planned. The channels combine Hollywood productions and European titles, with programming selected to differentiate them from existing services.
Dufour (pictured) said: “As the US is a much more mature FAST market, the sheer volume of channels already available means it is important to offer audiences something distinctive. We have taken a considered approach to developing our movie channels, analysing existing channel catalogues to identify opportunities and ensure there is no title overlap. The result is a differentiated mix of Hollywood productions and European titles that complements the existing offer while bringing something new to viewers.”
In the Middle East, Rakuten TV Top Movies and Rakuten TV Action are scheduled to launch by the end of 2026 through TCLtv+ and TCL Channel in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They will also be available on LG Channels in the UAE.
The channels will carry English-language films with subtitles adapted for local audiences. Rakuten TV is also exploring further genre channels and channels built around individual series for the region.
The Japanese agreement centres on technology. Rakuten Group has selected Rakuten TV Enterprise to provide the technical integration needed to deliver FAST channels to R Channels, its Japanese FAST platform.
Dufour said: “Our experience in Europe has demonstrated that Rakuten TV Enterprise can operate as a trusted technical partner at scale, managing the technology, infrastructure and FAST expertise required to bring complex channel environments to life. We are now taking that proven capability to international partners, providing the technical foundations they need to launch and scale FAST services in new markets. This gives partners greater access to our expertise while giving us a scalable model to support further international growth.”
