Roku and Samsung Lead the Connected TV Market in the US, Controlling Streaming Access
In a recent study by Parks Associates, the connected TV landscape in the United States has shown a significant concentration around two major players: Roku and Samsung. With Roku holding a 28% market share and Samsung's Tizen OS following closely with 23%, these platforms dominate the access point for streaming audiences in US broadband households. This trend underlines the control that a handful of operating systems have over what content consumers encounter, ultimately shaping their viewing experience.
The research indicates that other platforms, such as Amazon Fire TV, LG webOS, and Vizio SmartCast, occupy mid-tier positions in the market, while Apple tvOS, various gaming consoles, and Android TV have smaller shares. This hierarchical structure emphasizes Roku and Samsung's roles as primary gateways for streaming content and services. Michael Goodman, Director of Entertainment at Parks Associates, notes that the competition in the connected TV market hinges on platform control, which dictates the visibility of content and the frameworks for advertising.
Analyzing the trend of platform concentration reveals that a small selection of operating systems accounts for the bulk of connected TV usage. This concentration limits opportunities for service providers lacking robust distribution partnerships. Furthermore, market stability is apparent, as the rankings of these operating systems have remained remarkably consistent over time. Roku shows slight growth, while Samsung boasts a strong and established base among users.
Advertising control is another critical aspect of this ecosystem. The leading platforms manage ad inventory, collect user data, and manipulate targeting practices, effectively influencing monetization across the connected media landscape. Consequently, advertisers and content providers need to understand how these operating systems function to optimize their strategies.
Beyond advertising and content visibility, these TV operating systems play a pivotal role in user behavior through search mechanisms, recommendations, and overall user engagement. The UI and UX experiences these platforms offer can significantly dictate how audiences interact with various streaming services, suggesting that the operating system impacts not only what is available to watch but also how actively viewers engage with that content.
The rise of artificial intelligence in connected TV ecosystems further complicates this landscape. Enhanced algorithms for search and personalized recommendations are expected to make the influence of these platforms even more pronounced in the coming years. As residents of an increasingly digital world, consumers will rely heavily on the recommendations that come from their TVs, making control over these ecosystems a vital issue for content creators and advertisers alike.
With this dynamic backdrop, Parks Associates will be hosting its annual Future of Video conference on November 17-18 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in California. The event will bring together key stakeholders in the entertainment industry to discuss current trends and the future direction of video consumption and distribution.
For professionals in the connected technology space, the insights provided by Parks Associates, which has over four decades of experience, are invaluable. They help delineate new opportunities and refine business strategies, contributing to successful navigation through the fast-evolving markets of AI, connected homes, and entertainment. The implications of the research findings resonate throughout the industry, demanding attention and analysis of the competitive landscape in which Roku, Samsung, and other players operate.
As the connected TV market continues to evolve, the balance of power among these platforms will significantly affect the future of streaming media access and engagement. Companies must prioritize understanding these dynamics to maintain relevance in this competitive field.
For more information, contact Parks Associates to access insights from their ongoing Streaming Video Tracker study, which details market trends and opportunities. Their work not only aids businesses in adapting to current market demands but also anticipates future developments that will shape the landscape of connected entertainment.