#United States #Parks Associates #Marina del Rey #Future of Video #FAST Services

The Future of Streaming: An Insight into Video Distribution

The streaming industry is experiencing significant transformations as consumer viewing habits evolve. According to recent research by Parks Associates, 45% of U.S. internet households are now engaged with free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services. This momentous shift in how audiences consume content underlines just how vital understanding the landscape of streaming has become.

The upcoming Future of Video: Business of Streaming conference, set for November 18-20 at the Marina del Rey Marriott, will delve deeply into these trends. This event marks the eighth annual iteration and showcases keynote speakers from renowned industry leaders such as Charter, Tubi, and Verizon Business, promising a rich educational experience for attendees.

Streaming Service Statistics: A Diverse Landscape

The statistics from Parks Associates reveal a striking advancement in streaming service adoption. Approximately 89% of US internet households currently subscribe to at least one streaming service, and a notable portion—45%—actively engage with ad-based options. This trend highlights a crucial pivot towards advertising as a primary revenue generator within the industry, with many services offering tiered subscriptions that integrate ads to accommodate consumers seeking economical options.

Moreover, when diving deeper into subscription models, the research identified that a substantial 59% of users across the leading subscription ad-based video on demand (SAVOD) platforms opt for basic tiers that include advertisements. As viewers prioritize access and affordability, advertisers must adopt smarter targeting methods to maintain audience engagement in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Revolutionary Discussions Ahead

The Future of Video conference will not only spotlight key industry leaders but also facilitate discussions on pressing topics impacting the sector. Themes such as the integration of artificial intelligence in content distribution, hybrid monetization strategies, and the evolving role of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as content gatekeepers will be key focuses. Notably, Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, emphasized that the battle for viewer attention is transitioning towards how efficiently content can be distributed, discovered, and monetized. This shift signifies that consumers seek seamless access over traditional content categorization—driving innovation and disruption in video distribution approaches.

Attendees will also have exclusive access to the State of Streaming (S.O.S.) report, which will unveil critical findings including:

• - Surging Ad Spend: There’s an evident rise in advertising expenditures on connected TV platforms as services strive for greater addressability and measurement capabilities.
• - Stabilization of FAST Usage: After a phase of rapid growth, the engagement level with FAST services has plateaued, indicating a need for advertisers to refine their strategies for successful audience retention.
• - TVOD Resurgence: Consumers are increasingly willing to rent or buy individual events, particularly within live sports, highlighting a preference for flexible viewing options that cater to immediate access needs.
• - Shift from Traditional Pay-TV: The market has revealed a significant decline in traditional pay-TV subscriptions as customers gravitate towards flexible alternatives in their viewing preferences.
• - SVOD Resilience: Despite facing fierce competition, spending on subscription video-on-demand services remains stable, showcasing steady consumer commitment.

Preparing for Future Challenges

As the market matures, ongoing discussions will revolve around possible consolidations, such as Charter's substantial acquisition of Cox Communications and Disney's integration of Fubo. This evolving landscape reshapes the dynamics of power in video distribution, thus creating new opportunities and challenges for all players involved.

The Future of Video conference serves as a platform for industry experts to share insights on consumer trends, explore possibilities of innovative monetization strategies, and dissect challenges posed by streaming fatigue and subscription cuts. For those involved in the streaming sector, these insights are invaluable as the industry continues to evolve rapidly.

In summary, the Future of Video event is a must-attend for executives and innovative thinkers alike, as it aims to summarize current trends, predict future directions, and foster opportunities for all participants in the rapidly changing world of digital media. For further inquiries or to register for the conference, interested parties can visit Future of Video.