ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant debuts new look

A refreshed brand with a new thrust.

On Wednesday, July 9, ABS-CBN’s over-the-top service iWant was officially relaunched with a new look.

Taking on the name which it previously used from 2018 to 2020, the app now boasts a better user interface, in-app search engine, personalization, and brand formats for advertisers, among others.

It also takes on a new, but somewhat familiar thrust as the “Home of Filipino Feels,” which reflects its vast content library that ranges multiple programming genres, such as drama, variety, news, and sports.

Apart from serving as a platform to binge-watch beloved TV shows like ‘It’s Showtime,’ ‘TV Patrol,’ ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,’ ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya,’ and classic favorites for free, iWant has kept the live streaming of traditional channels.

Among those are the Kapamilya Channel, DZMM Teleradyo, Myx, Knowledge Channel, and ANC—which returns to the platform’s premium subscribers after almost five years.

Internationally, Kapuso shows are also seen via GMA Pinoy TV stream.

In addition to all of that, the cherry on top is the slate of iWant Original Series. For a minimal fee, viewers will gain access to current and upcoming exclusive shows like ‘Love At First Spike’ and ‘Ghosting,’ as well as past productions ‘He’s Into Her’ and ‘Teen Clash’.

“You can expect a brand new UI (user interface), mas visually malinis na siya, madaling i-navigate and we really listen to the feedback of the users in creating this new iWant,” said iWant Head Jolly Estaris to ABS-CBN News in June.

He added, “[…]ang ating subscription ay P35 pa rin so walang price increase. P35 lang they will get all the iWant originals.”

In celebration of the relaunch, iWant will be holding a ‘Museum Of Filipino Feels’ event at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center in Quezon City on Thursday, July 10 from 1 to 6 pm.

Interested parties will only need to present a downloaded iWant app on their devices to enter.

While it traces its roots back to the ABS-CBNnow service from the 2000s, the current OTT service was originally launched in 2010 as iWantTV as a platform offering catch-up for Kapamilya programs and other cable networks that were available on Sky Cable as a bundle.

Eventually, when Sky On Demand launched in 2015, iWantTV gradually transitioned into becoming a home for the full-episodes of current ABS-CBN TV shows and exclusive offerings that were only accessible via a valid ABS-CBNmobile subscription.

In 2018, the ‘TV’ was dropped and iWant was born, with first original serials offered being the likes of ‘Glorious‘ starring Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca, which later saw the addition of ‘Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 3‘ with Eugene Domingo and ‘Call Me Tita‘ the following year.

However, after the ABS-CBN shutdown, iWant and the global TFC Online service were merged to form iWantTFC in August 2020 to bolster the network’s plans to transform into a global storytelling company.

During this time, another innovation happened as it began offering ticketed virtual events like concerts, alongside KTX.ph.

It also served as the official streaming home of hit shows like ‘He’s Into Her’ and its sequel, as well as a co-producer for popular TV productions ‘Senior High’ and ‘High Street’.

Partnerships were also forged as Cignal’s UAAP Varsity Channel and GMA Network’s international platforms were respectively made available in 2022 and 2023 for users outside the Philippines and select territories.

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