Rakuten Viber, one of the world’s leading messaging apps, has signed a deal with Medialink Animation International Limited, a subsidiary of its Hong Kong-listed company, Medialink Group Limited (2230.HK), one of Asia’s biggest licensing agents, to turn the popular app’s beloved sticker characters into merchandise that every Filipino can enjoy.

Violet, LegCat, Freddie, Lola and the rest of the Viber gang have been an integral part of the messaging app users’ daily conversations, encouraging them to communicate and express themselves in a more genuine and playful manner. In fact, over 2 billion stickers are sent globally on Viber each month. A survey conducted by Viber, moreover, showed that over 90% of Filipino respondents were familiar with the app’s sticker characters, while over 85% said they were interested in owning Viber-character branded products.

Soon, they will be able to find merchandise based on these beloved sticker characters in leading stores in the Philippines.

“Medialink brings solid expertise, knowledge and great passion to help us take our massively successful sticker characters into the real world in the Philippines—a market with an 85% interest in owning Viber-branded products. Just knowing that Viber fans will soon get to extend their love for Violet, LegCat and other characters in more tangible quality ways is truly exciting and a great step into deepening our relationship with our audience of over 1 billion users globally,” says Matan Kaufman, Product Marketing Director at Viber.

“We’re very excited to be working with Viber on this project. With our best effort and experienced team, we are sure that we can create the first successful Viber licensing” says Noletta Chiu, Executive Director of Medialink. “We know that this venture will be a success because Viber’s sticker characters are already so ingrained in the everyday chats of Filipinos. It’s only natural that consumers will embrace them even more fully through official merchandise. It’s an exciting venture for Rakuten Viber and Medialink is incredibly honoured to be part of it.” With stickers for every possible expression, Viber’s instantly-recognizable characters will soon not only add a spark of fun to every chat but also more colour and joy to real life.

About Rakuten Viber:
At Rakuten Viber, we connect people, no matter who they are, or where they are from. Our global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favorite brands and celebrities. We ensure our users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions.

Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Inc., a world leader in e-commerce and financial services. It is the official communication channel of FC Barcelona, and the official instant messaging and calling app partner of the Golden State Warriors. Join Viber today and enjoy the world’s best communication experience. For further inquiries, contact us at media@viber.com.

 About Medialink Group Limited
Medialink Group Limited (2230.hk) is a leading distributor of third-party owned media content with its headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Group has been in the business of media content distribution for over 19 years, and also operates in brand licensing. Under the media content distribution, the Group works closely with media content licensors through content distribution arrangements relating to animation series, variety shows, drama series, and animated and live-action feature films. Under brand licensing, Medialink is involved in licensing various rights from brand licensors such as ‘merchandising rights’ for the use in toys, apparels, and footwear, health and beauty products, food and beverage; ‘location-based entertainment rights’ for events, theme parks, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants; and ‘promotion rights’ in the Asia Pacific region. For licensing inquiries, please contact : licensing@medialink.com.hk.