Planet Sport has acquired ‘The F1 Word,’ a popular YouTube channel.
- The channel boasts over 128,000 subscribers and 36 million video views.
- Founder Sean Cullingford remains involved, taking on a new role.
- The acquisition aims to enhance fan engagement and coverage of F1.
- This move reflects the growing importance of video content in sports.
Planet Sport Group has made a strategic acquisition by taking ownership of ‘The F1 Word,’ an established YouTube channel with a substantial following. With over 128,000 subscribers and 36 million video views, the channel has become a prominent source of Formula 1 content since its inception in 2017 by Sean Cullingford, a lifelong fan of the sport.
Cullingford, who has been instrumental in the channel’s growth, will join PlanetF1.com as the head of YouTube. In his own words, ‘I’m extremely excited to join PlanetF1, and to have the support, resources, and access that Planet Sport Group offers.’ This move not only retains his expertise but aims to expand the channel’s reach and influence further.
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for PlanetF1.com as it seeks to deliver even more engaging and dynamic content to the passionate F1 community. The integration of ‘The F1 Word’ will strengthen PlanetF1.com’s video production capabilities, providing fans with an enriched experience that covers every aspect of the 24 races.
Mark Scott, the editor of PlanetF1.com, emphasises the value of innovation in their coverage, noting the significance of acquiring Sean’s extensive knowledge. ‘Just like the F1 teams we cover, we are always striving to innovate, improve, and unlock new potential in our coverage of the sport,’ he said. This alignment of vision is expected to deepen connections with the F1 fanbase and embrace the digital shift in content consumption.
The statistics underscore this transformation, with Formula 1 social media platforms amassing over 70 million followers and online video consumption reaching 10.5 billion views in 2023. PlanetF1.com has witnessed significant growth, with a 116% increase in its userbase between 2022 and 2023. The collaboration with ‘The F1 Word’ seeks to capitalise on this growing trend, offering an all-encompassing approach to F1 coverage.
Planet Sport’s acquisition of ‘The F1 Word’ is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports media, focusing on digital engagement and expansive coverage.