James Weinberg’s Post

The Media Leader UK recently published an article featuring James Weinberg, our Executive Director of Media and Product at T&Pm. In the article, James discusses a study that revealed a plateau in SVOD subscriptions in the UK, following years of steady growth.   "Warning of potential inaccuracies in the study’s methodology, James also commented that bundling offers – such as EE offering 6 months of Apple TV+ with selected monthly contracts – might have distorted some of the results which actually appear to show significant growth. These consumer incentives also helped to grow services including Paramount+ which saw a 31% quarter-on-quarter increase in penetration in Q1.   “Anecdotally, we know that these packaged subscriptions are often offered for free, such as Discovery+ being free for all Sky customers and Paramount+ being included for Sky Cinema customers. Paramount+ is also regularly gifted to Sky customers via the VIP programme. So, in a sense, these slightly inflate the overall ‘interest’ from Sky households for these services,” says James.   Click the link to read the article below! https://lnkd.in/eMc3-GsB #TandPm #PowerOfAnd #Media Ella Sagar

Widespread economic uncertainty and consumer cost-cutting led to an explosion in free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels and ad-supported subscription models in 2023. Notably, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime ventured into ad-supported tiers, with Amazon Prime facing some challenges (https://lnkd.in/en2sPJSA). FAST channels gained popularity by offering a blend of familiar TV programming and on-demand content ; combining the best of linear and digital. This week Barb's latest audience data revealed a decline in UK households with streaming subscriptions, affecting all platforms except for Paramount+, which saw a slight increase. The article by The Media Leader delves into the various factors contributing to this evolving picture, including Netflix's efforts to crack down on account sharing and consumers re-evaluating the importance of luxuries during uncertain times. What we do know is that ad-funded streaming services are forecast to continue growing and advertisers must adapt their campaigns, redirect their budgets, and harness the right partnerships and technology so they can effectively reach audiences on these new channels. That's where we come in❗ Interested to learn more? Drop me a message or reach out to the team via: www.covatic.com #ctv #ctvadvertising #adtechnology #adtech #media #svod

In 2023, we saw the rise of free streaming TV channels with ads, and ad-supported subscription models. Big players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime entered the mix and added ad-supported options. And let's not forget about FAST channels, which became super popular by offering a mix of regular TV shows and on-demand content. Data revealed this week shows that streaming subscriptions in UK households has recently declined, while ad-funded streaming services are projected to keep growing. Our CEO Nick Pinks shares his thoughts on the latest reports. #ctv #ctvadvertising #svod #adtech #adtechnology #media

If revenue per user is higher on ad-supported plans than it is on the ad-free plans, how long will it be until we're all watching ads, and seeing "brought to you by" billboards, on streaming, irrespective of the plan? Why have one revenue stream when you can have two across the board. If the industry moved in this direction en-masse, what will viewers do? Cancel their subscriptions? Unlikely. Go back to the cable bundle? That ship has sailed, or perhaps more accurately, castle has crumbled. Broadcast television (or BVOD)? Maybe there'd be some swing back to them. I think the streamers know they have us where they want us, and in one way or another, we're all going to be watching ads again. Coupled with likely consolidation, and perhaps the introduction of the "rundle" by device manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, or Roku, or even cable providers like Sky Group and Foxtel, everything old is new again. We're going back, back to the future.

On the service provider side, traditional operators and telcos are looking for TV options to offer and entice or retain customers as they pivot away from traditional pay TV and prioritize broadband growth, where pairing entertainment can help maintain customer relationships for other services. In a recent column on StreamTV Insider, Parks Associates Director Eric Sorensen noted that “telcos are pursuing aggressive options with streaming in order to keep the pay TV business operating for as long as feasible.” Parks Associates research showed that as of Q1 2024 Charter’s Spectrum TV services are in 23% of internet homes, up yoy from its 19% market share in each 2022 and 2023. Sorensen wrote that service providers are adopting streaming bundles to lower operational expenses and to appeal to larger advertisers by enabling ad buying across multiple platforms. “Additionally, bundles help prevent churn of the subscriber completely departing,” wrote Sorensen. “Parks Associates anticipates we will continue to see the reemergence of a new kind bundle as a way for pay-TV providers to reengage and entice lost customers.” https://lnkd.in/gUbgPY8J

NEWS AND INFORMATION THE FUTURE OF STREAMING IS...VERIZON? (By Tony Maglio) The wireless carrier just formed the industry's first meaningful bundle of two big-time streamers. The streaming industry can hear Verizon now. The wireless company just officially created the industry’s first streaming bundle — or at the very least its first worthwhile one between two platforms owned by separate companies. (So relax, Disney Bundle.) Beginning on December 7, Verizon’s myPlan customers (those subscribed to its Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate data plans) can get ad-supported Netflix and ad-supported Max, bundled, at a discount. Subscribers to the new bundle will still use the individual apps to access Netflix and Max — they’ll just pay for the memberships on their existing Verizon Wireless bill. (Customers can stream on any device, not just on their Verizon Wireless phones and tablets.) Verizon’s Netflix/Max bundle will run $10/month, which is 41 percent less than subscribing to the AVOD tiers separately — Netflix with ads typically costs $6.99 per month and Max’s own version is $9.99. Clearly, the majority of the savings here is coming on the Max side, though not necessarily out of Max’s end. Yes, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery will take a haircut here on subscription revenue — Verizon also needs to get a taste. But it is no accident that we’re only talking about ad-supported tiers. Not only do deals like this bring higher subscriber totals, that added exposure can proportionately increase a platform’s advertising revenue. In the end, it is all about ARPU, or the average revenue per user. To continue reading, click on the below link: https://lnkd.in/gRtg5UyP — #streaming #streamingservice #verizon #NetflixStreaming #maxstreaming #WarnerBrosDiscovery

🌍 Paramount is making strategic moves towards a broader international audience by launching premium and ad-supported streaming tiers in select territories like Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. 🌐 But this expansion isn't just about access; it's about the art of monetization. As Paramount smartly taps into the growing trend of ad-supported streaming, I wonder if this is the golden ticket for media companies to balance the content cost equation while delivering a more budget-friendly streaming experience to viewers. 💰📈 While the opportunities are promising, the challenges of ad delivery and viewer experience must be navigated. What's your take on this global streaming shift? Are you ready to embrace ad-supported streaming, or do you prefer your content ad-free? Share your insights! 💬 #streamingmedia #streamingtv #paramountplus #streaming #mediaindustry #globalexpansion #fastchannels #television 📺 Paramount Apple Roku Inc. Samsung Electronics Prime Video & Amazon Studios Hisense Group LG Electronics Google

It's interesting to observe how the TV business is swinging back to the 'standard' model; remember that model with commercial breaks? Well, it's back. What's most intriguing is knowing that for an OTT platform, the AVOD model is much more appealing than SVOD. Long live TV! I'm thinking of going back to the CRT TV set and getting up from the couch to change channels! 👇 https://lnkd.in/dMt4weBT

#AppleTv+ 🍎 📺 appears to be moving towards introducing an ad-supported tier despite being the last major ad-free streaming service. Key takeaways 🚀 : 1) An ad-supported Apple TV+ unlocks a fresh area for #CTV advertising. 2) Expect a boost to #programmatic campaigns with access to a platform synonymous with quality and engagement. 3) Data deep dive: Apple's massive user base would present a wealth of targeted ad opportunities. Apple TV+’s introduction of ads isn't guaranteed 🚫 , but all signs seem to point to it! https://lnkd.in/gpTrGUfi