Amazon’s Prime Video maintains an average monthly ad-supported reach of more than 315 million viewers globally, the company announced at its 2025 unBoxed event. Amazon’s high-intent shopper base and ability to lead users through the entire marketing funnel offer a distinct advantage.

This benchmark covers how ad buyers can calibrate their TV and CTV ad spending and budget allocations against the market, and how publishers and solution providers can assess whether their ad revenues align with industry trends.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) posted rocky Q3 results, with US ad revenues falling 16% YoY to $1.4 billion, largely attributed to linear TV audience declines. WBD’s current ad struggles indicate that significant changes are ahead—but regardless of whether WBD splits or sells, the shift will inevitably deliver greater value to advertisers.

Netflix and iHeartMedia are discussing a deal that would allow the popular streaming platform to license iHeartMedia’s video podcasts, shortly after Netflix inked a similar deal with Spotify, per Bloomberg. An expanded video podcast portfolio will unlock new opportunities for marketers if Netflix chooses to sell ad space on podcast content.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the big 3 questions surrounding Netflix in Q3 and beyond: expectations for its ad business, the impact of Netflix House, a new deal with Spotify, or something else? Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host, Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst, Ross Benes, and Senior Editor of Briefings, Daniel Konstantinovic. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Netflix is reportedly exploring an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)’s studio and streaming operations—its boldest move yet to consolidate the streaming market. The deal would include HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO Max but exclude cable properties. For Netflix, the acquisition would supercharge its ad-supported tier with premium, long-tail content, expanding both viewership and inventory. The potential combination of HBO’s prestige programming and Netflix’s data-driven ad platform could redefine connected TV advertising, pressuring rivals like Disney+ and Peacock. If successful, the merger would mark streaming’s biggest consolidation since Amazon’s MGM purchase—and a new era for premium video.

NBCUniversal’s Peacock reduced losses to $217 million in Q3 compared with $436 million in 2024, but struggled to boost revenues and attract new subscribers—raising questions about the platform’s advertising value. Peacock shows potential for the future as it works to build its portfolio and partnerships beyond live sports—but stagnant subscriber growth for two quarters means brands should remain cautious.

Big media acquisitions and streaming integrations will contribute to consolidation in connected TV (CTV) ad spending.

Canada’s mediascape continues to change as new formats attract younger and older users alike. The GMI report for Canada is a deep dive into the country’s shifting habits relating to time spent with media, media adoption, and device ownership.

Media habits in East Asia and Oceania are being redefined. Streaming outpaces broadcast, creators rival traditional TV, and new devices—from wearables to smart home tech—are reshaping how audiences spend time and money on content.

Google parent Alphabet reported strong Q3 earnings on Wednesday, with revenues growing 16% YoY to $102.35 billion, while Google Search & other, YouTube Ads, and Google subscriptions, platforms, and devices all saw double-digit growth. But Google simultaneously experienced a notable loss in an ongoing antitrust case that could carry implications for the future of search advertising. Google will remain a cornerstone of successful ad strategies, at least in the short-term.

Streaming ad revenues continued a growth trajectory in Q3 while national linear TV spend shrunk, per a recent MoffetNathanson Research forecast. A successful advertising strategy will understand the increasing need to invest in cross-platform campaigns in the digital age.

By the end of 2025, CTV will overtake linear TV in key metrics like viewing share, viewing households, time spent, and content spending. CTV ad spend with then be set to surpass traditional TV spend in 2028.

Spanish-language media company TelevisaUnivision reported a rocky Q3, with notable downturns in net income, ad revenues, and overall revenues. TelevisaUnivsion and ViX still offer a compelling value proposition for brands seeking smaller, but influential Spanish-language audiences.

Netflix reported a strong Q3 on Tuesday, increasing revenues 17.2% YoY, in line with the forecast issued in Q2. The company stated that it is on track to double its ad revenues in 2025, claiming Q3 was its strongest quarter yet for ad sales—proving that momentum is largely being driven by Netflix’s maturing ad offerings. Marketers can capitalize on audience appetite for ad-supported tiers, but should focus their investment in platforms with proven results as less dominant connected TV (CTV) providers are likely to struggle in Q3 and beyond.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is publicly considering a sale after receiving acquisition interest from several buyers, the company announced Tuesday. WBD’s change in attitude could have significant implications for marketers by increasing audience reach and unlocking diversified ad inventory across popular IPs.

Apple TV and NBCUniversal’s Peacock are partnering to offer a streaming bundle for $15 per month starting Monday. The new bundle provides potential for advertisers who have been hesitant to invest in Apple TV and Peacock respectively because of a lack of proven results.

Netflix is making its first big move into the podcast business in a deal with Spotify that will see the popular streaming platform showcase a selection of Spotify video podcasts in 2026. For creators, the partnership will unlock a distribution channel that grants access to a vast and engaged audience—capitalizing on Netflix’s massive user base and the consistent rise in podcast listeners.

YouTube TV is in a dicey position after it lost access to Univision networks and reached a temporary extension with NBCUniversal as a total blackout looms. Brands should prepare for fragmentation and adapt accordingly. Looking to CTV and OTT platforms with more stable sports offerings—like Prime Video and its 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA—will provide a cushion amid uncertainty.