Inside the Stream – Advertising’s Growing Importance for Streaming
New research from Omdia, Hub and Antenna highlights advertising’s expanding role across the streaming landscape, from free‑ad‑supported TV (FAST) to premium subscription‑video‑on‑demand (SVOD). Omdia projects global connected‑TV ad revenue to reach $80 billion by 2030, with Google, Amazon and Netflix sharing roughly half of that market. Hub data show U.S. viewers gravitate to FAST services mainly because they are free, prompting moves like Roku’s creator portal and Tubi’s 2026 World Cup hub. Antenna reports ad‑supported SVOD subscriptions climbing to 110 million in the United States, led by Hulu, Disney+ and Netflix.
Inside the Stream – YouTube’s Record Q1, Roku’s Howdy Hits 1M Subs
Alphabet’s YouTube posted near‑$10 billion in Q1 ad revenue, up 11 % year‑over‑year, while subscription revenue accelerated, led by Premium and a surge in news‑channel subscriptions. English‑language news channels grew 16 % in the past 15 months, with the BBC emerging as the...
Inside the Stream – Netflix Chugs Along, Growing Opportunistically
Netflix posted steady Q1 growth as it shifts toward a more mature, diversified business model. While subscriber engagement slipped 15% year‑over‑year, the company highlighted its expanding ad‑supported tier, video‑podcast traction, and a strategic acquisition of the Radford Studio Center in...
Inside the Stream – Roku Leads Competitive Market with 100M Households
Roku announced it now serves 100 million active households, marking a significant user base but still falling short of a majority share in the U.S. market. New Hub data shows modest growth for subscription‑video‑on‑demand (SVOD) aggregators, while consumer interest in AI‑enhanced...
Inside the Stream – Interview: Wurl’s EMEA GM on Sports & FASTs
Wurl’s EMEA general manager Keith Bedford discusses the modest share of sports on free‑ad‑supported streaming TV (FAST), noting it represents just 2.7% of total FAST viewership. He highlights how FAST services are opening doors for sub‑premium sports rights, citing FIFA’s...
Inside the Stream – Netflix’s Ad-Free Price Gap Widens as Industry Revenue Grows
Netflix announced a $1 monthly increase for its ad‑supported tier and a $2 hike for its ad‑free plans, widening the price gap between the two options more than any of its rivals. The move signals a strategic push toward ad‑supported...
Inside the Stream – Deloitte Streaming Data, CTV Commerce, Disney-OpenAI Ends
Deloitte’s latest Digital Media Trends report shows 68% of streamers are prioritizing ad‑supported SVOD plans while 61% say they would cancel a service if monthly fees rose by $5. Disney has scrapped its $1 billion investment in OpenAI after the AI...
Inside the Stream – Ads Accepted, Sports Lead. Creators Match Premium TV
New Hub Entertainment research shows ad‑supported streaming is becoming more acceptable, especially among younger adults, with nearly two‑thirds of them indifferent to ads. Nielsen data confirms sports content leads this shift, giving leagues like the NFL leverage in licensing negotiations...
Inside the Stream – SVOD Is Maturing; WBD-Paramount Deal TV Audience Shares
New Antenna data shows U.S. premium SVOD subscriber growth has markedly slowed, with seasonality now influencing churn as users cancel before adding new services. Bundling emerges as a critical growth lever, especially for Disney’s streaming portfolio. Meanwhile, Paramount‑Skydance secured the...
Inside the Stream – Apple Taps IMAX for F1, YouTube Expands in the UK, Colbert Streams
Apple is expanding its live Formula 1 coverage by partnering with 50 IMAX theatres and integrating the feed into DirecTV’s Apple TV bundle, letting satellite subscribers watch races without launching the app. In the UK, Barb data shows YouTube now ranks as...