Fatooosh, a recently launched application, has become the first social and television viewing platform in the Arab world to offer video content specifically tailored for Arabic audiences in multiple screens.

Conceptualised by mobile apps developer iaraby, Fatooosh allows users to seamlessly follow their favorite videos via desktop computers, tablets, mobile phones or Smart TVs.

Videos uploaded to Fatooosh are categorised under three sections - comedy, TV, entertainment and television programmes. Users can share content with friends through social networking channels such as Facebook, receive push notifications on selected programmes, rate videos, create a ‘favorites’ list, and view the top 10 videos.

As a proactive platform, Fatooosh also allows subscribers to suggest specific videos to add and report content they deem inappropriate. It currently runs on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android system and will initially be aimed at the Samsung Smart TV in the region.

The application – available only in Arabic – has been downloaded 50,000 times a month after its launch, and is expected to reach more than 2 million users by January 2013. Iaraby is searching for more content sources and eventually hopes to put up an exclusive Fatooosh TV Channel, a statement from the company said.

“Fatooosh is an ideal medium for encouraging more users to patronise Arabic content and adopt emerging media technologies such as the Smart TV. Based on the overwhelming initial response, we expect Fatooosh to become a staple application among Arab mobile phone, computer and internet TV users,” said Ahmad Barqawi, executive director, iaraby. “We intend to come up with more offerings that suit the unique tastes of Arab audiences, especially those that rely heavily on mobility and technology for their leisure, lifestyle and work.”

Iaraby develops smart phone applications geared towards Arab users. It seeks to introduce innovative products and services that are creative and interactive, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service