One of the major challenges for most cord-cutters is accessing local news, sports, and other local content on streaming services. But thanks to Zeam, this is no longer an issue.
Zeam is a free streaming service that, unlike most other streaming platforms, focuses on local content. It offers free access to local news, sports, and other content like community events and shows from local TV stations in the United States.
Below is a detailed review of Zeam, along with interesting facts you should know about the streaming service before signing up.
1. It was formerly known as Vuit
The free streaming service Zeam was previously known as VUit. VUit was launched in 2020 as a direct-to-consumer OTT platform with a focus on local content.
VUit was launched in by the media company Syncbak with the backing of Gray Television, the National Association of Broadcasters, and Morgan Murphy Media.
It became a hit, especially amongst local news enthusiasts and cord-cutters, amassing thousands of viewers within a very short time.
However, in 2024, Syncback launched a new platform, Zeam, to replace VUit. Like VUit, it was backed by major players in the media industry, including Gray Television, Paramount Global, and the National Association of Broadcasters.
Both VUit and Zeam share a similar focus on local content. However, the latter is a more robust platform that offers several additional features, more content, and a wider reach.
2. Zeam is 100% free, with no hidden costs
One of the top things to love about Zeam is that it is 100% free. It is an ad-supported service that offers full access to all of its content in exchange for users watching adverts.
Zeam joins a growing list of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms, with other popular services including Local Now, Sling Freestream, Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo Play, Amazon Freevee, The Roku Channel, and Samsung TV Plus.
The best part about the platform is that it does not come with strings attached. While some free streaming services require you to register for an account, Zeam doesn’t; you can start streaming right away, with access to all content.
However, Zeam offers an optional sign-up feature, where you can set up an account on the platform.
The account can be a handy feature if you are a regular user, as you can bookmark your favourite content and track the progress of your watch lists across several devices.
3. It offers a variety of content
Zeam does not offer entertainment content, such as the kind typically found on streaming platforms like the Roku Channel and Tubi. However, it does offer a wide variety of well-curated content, which can rival many streaming services.
Below is a look at some of the content you can enjoy on Zeam:
Live streams of local news channels
Local news channels are the main focus of the Zeam streaming service.
Zeam has partnered with over 30 media groups, including Gray Television, Hearst, News Press & Gazette, and many other broadcasters.
As a result, the platform offers live streams of over 300 local stations, which translates to 80% coverage of designated market areas in the United States.
The local stations offered are primarily affiliates of major broadcasters, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.
Entertainment channels
Zeam’s focus is on local news channels, but the service has been steadily expanding its content offering. As a result, you can also enjoy several entertainment channels, offering a wide range of content, from cultural programming to true crime content.
Zeam channels
Zeam also offers its live channels, where you can enjoy several hours of exclusive content, including local events, theatre, arts, music, and comedy shows.
Sports content
If you are a sports fan, Zeam offers a variety of sports content, starting with live sports channels, including Locked On NFL, Locked On Sports Today, Locked On NBA, and Locked On College Sports.
Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of live sports from the local affiliate channels on the platform.
However, the sports content offered on live TV is mostly local, for example, high school sports events, community events (such as a local marathon), and regional recreational events (like baseball).
On-demand shows
Zeam also offers a large collection of on-demand TV shows. However, unlike most streaming platforms, Zeam primarily focuses on local shows, particularly those produced or aired by local affiliate channels.
4. You can access Zeam on several devices
Zeam is readily available across several devices. Below is a look at all supported devices:
- Computers and mobile devices’ browsers – you can watch online via the platform’s website.
- Mobile devices – Via the app on iOS and Android platforms.
- Smart TVs
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV devices
- Roku
- Google Chromecast
In terms of location, the streaming service is currently only available in the United States.
5. It offers a decent user experience
Another thing to love about Zeam is its friendly user interface. Both the website and app versions of the platform have a simplistic, minimalistic, and efficient design, which enhances your user experience when streaming.
When navigating the platform, you can easily access the navigation buttons (Home, Live TV, Favourites, and Search) at the top or bottom of the interface.
Additionally, Zeam offers content categories such as Local News, National News, Sports Zone, and Culture, allowing you to easily discover live channels and on-demand videos.
One drawback is that the platform does not list all the available channels. It only lists local channels in your market area and out-of-market channels near your location.
Therefore, to watch a channel that is not listed, you need to search for it specifically, which can be quite annoying at times.