• by Sara Guaglione , June 21, 2018

Complex Networks is going global: the millennial and pop culture-focused media company has signed a licensing deal with iflix, one of the largest subscription video-on-demand providers serving Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Iflix is licensing 10 video series from Complex Networks. Six of those series will be localized for several markets across iflix territories, with new versions featuring local hosts and languages.

For example, Complex Networks’ show “Hot Ones” — where celebrities are interviewed while eating hot wings — will launch this fall in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with a local host. The series will also feature popular regional hot sauces, alongside Hot One’s “The Last Dab.”

“We have an incredible opportunity to deliver a uniquely local product based on a truly international format with mass appeal,” stated Craig Galvin, iflix’s global head of short form.

The other licensed series include sneaker-culture show “Sneaker Shopping” and celebrity-fitness series “Get Sweaty,” as well as “Complex Closets,” “Don’t Believe the Hype,” and “Price the Hype.”

The series getting local versions will air alongside the original versions on a Complex-branded channel on the iflix platform. Some of the content will be in front of the wall with advertising, while others will only be available to those with a monthly iflix subscription.

The collaboration with Complex Networks “underscores iflix’s growing focus on creating viral, snackable content specifically for the millenial and Gen Z generations,” according to the company.

Almost 90% of iflix’s audience belonging to that demographic comes from markets in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Complex Networks currently produces over 30 daily and weekly series across its portfolio of brands. The series are available on YouTube, social channels and distributors like Verizon, Fuse, Facebook and MSG Network. Its digital brands include Complex, First We Feast, Rated Red, Pigeons and Planes and Sole Collector, among others.

Complex stopped printing its magazine last year to go digital-only and laid off about 10% of its staff to focus on producing more video content.

Complex Networks was formed from the acquisition of Complex Media Inc. through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst in 2016.