Ad-supported video is the new streaming gold rush: Disney, HBO, Discovery, and even Netflix have toyed with or launched ad-based viewing channels

Netflix is practically synonymous with video streaming in the US, with 76% of US teens and adults surveyed using the platform. Amazon Prime Video is the next most popular service, used by 64%, while Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max round out the top five.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Disney+ is back on track, how to read HBO Max's numbers, and whether Paramount+ can keep up. For "In Other News," we talk about why folks are cutting the cord today and why there's been a boost in ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) ad spending. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Ross Benes.

Connected TV and programmatic video ad spending continues to exceed expectations in the US.

Key developments to watch in 2022 include the evolution of in-store retail technology; hotter competition in the paid-for video marketplace; the revival of digital out-of-home ads; and ongoing issues with digital privacy and security.

With growing subscription and advertising revenues, digital video’s future remains bright. But there are numerous questions that will affect its development.

Marketers are taking data collection into their own hands: Recent privacy changes have led brands to use incentives like sweepstakes and discounts to gain consumer info instead of relying on Big Tech companies.

About two-thirds of the US population are monthly connected TV (CTV) users. Young people are more likely to use CTV than older people. Four in 10 US senior citizens are CTV users—whereas CTV usage is about double that, more than 80%, among those ages 25 to 54.

Connected TV ad spending continues to expand substantially.

On today's episode, we discuss why Disney+ subscriber growth has slammed into a wall and how HBO Max might make its offering even more competitive. We then talk about whether Roku's recent slowdown is temporary or something more systemic, and if Peacock will likely move up—or down—Americans' video streaming priorities list. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Ross Benes.

Though HBO Max did not come close to reaching 100 million US viewers over the period of our previous forecast, we now project the streaming platform will cross that threshold in 2023.

In September, we raised our forecast for HBO Max viewers. We now believe that HBO Max will have nearly 80 million monthly viewers this year, and that it will surpass 100 million viewers by the end of 2023. Previously, we did not expect HBO Max to break 100 million viewers by the end of our forecast period in 2025.

More video viewers turn to ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) and free streaming options.

On today's episode, we discuss how many subscribers HBO Max has, whether partnering with Snapchat can move the needle, and if some kind of HBO Max bundle could be attractive. We then talk about the authenticity of subscription fatigue, how successful Disney's current release strategy is, how to convince young folks to go back to the movies, and how open Netflix subscribers would be to an ad-supported plan. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna.

Advertisers are increasing their upfront commitments, particularly for connected TV.

The medium screen: New data on ad impressions shows that more YouTube viewing is happening on TVs, suggesting the platform will soon become an increasingly popular place to reallocate TV ad dollars.

The return of live sports produced a flurry of licensing activity from broadcast networks and streaming services—including digital video, social, and ecommerce platforms. It also reignited concerns about the sustainability of pricing models for sports video and TV.

On today's episode, we discuss who owns everything in the media universe, the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery, and why Amazon bought MGM. We then talk about how people are consuming sports in different ways, CNN's new streaming service, and whether HBO Max with ads can make a big splash. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Eric Haggstrom.

On today's episode, we discuss whether HBO Max can break into the top four streaming services, what to make of the Academy Awards' ratings, the effect Amazon could have on live sports, whether people will pay with their palm, how NBCUniversal's Peacock is doing, the crazy things that happen in far away galaxies, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer director of forecasting Oscar Orozco, analyst Blake Droesch, and principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Jeremy Goldman.

Ad-supported streaming is on the rise: New data shows ad-supported viewership was up compared with other OTT services in 2020, opening up more inventory for linear TV budget shifts—and that trend is likely to only continue in 2021.