Insight Research forecasts that in the US, streaming content will generate almost $70 billion in revenues by 2013.
This refers to revenues derived from the transmission of digital audio and video files, whether they be over the Internet, an IPTV network or a mobile phone. The files can be streamed in real time or on-demand, but are unable to be stored locally.
Revenues will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29% over the next 5 years. On-demand audio and video content and their associated advertising revenues will fuel this growth.
"The outlook for streaming media has never been brighter," said Robert Rosenberg, president at Insight Research. "Questions surrounding consumers’ willingness to pay for content have been dispelled by the popularity of satellite radio and iTunes."
"The forecasts that we present are conservative, and in line with current performance. If, however, per-stream costs drop faster than anticipated, we have quicker acceptance of IPTV, or improvements in 3G delivery take place faster than expected, it could blow the doors off of our forecasts, propelling this industry into explosive growth,” Mr. Rosenberg added.