Disney’s password-sharing changes didn’t boost subscriptions—yet: The company saw a slight dip in Disney+ subs as it faced a tough holiday period.

In January, the most interesting retailers capitalized on New Year’s trends like resolutions, lower-alcohol consumption, and an influx of holiday returns. Poshmark and Sephora introduced new partnerships, while Amazon and Temu increased their own retail media-related offerings. Here are the eight most significant retail developments of January 2024, ranked by their potential market impact.

This year, streaming services will finally earn more than traditional TV in subscription revenues.

Disney will attract major attention at Upfronts: Ad-supported subscribers surpassed 157 million, giving it a leg up over the competition.

Video ad spending continues to outpace overall digital ad spending and will power the fastest-growing ad-supported media.

Connected TV is no longer a niche ad channel—it’s the new normal. With streaming platforms adding ad-supported tiers and Amazon flooding the market with inventory, CPMs are dropping while ad opportunities expand.

By Q2 2025, Netflix and Max will be the only streaming services to have average CPMs higher than $30, per our September 2024 forecast.

CTV inventory has surged, but the linear TV ad market remains much larger.

Retailers, streamers embrace shoppable TV ads to shorten the path to purchase: WBD, Amazon, Kroger, and The CW Network are relying on the format to drive product discovery and sales.

A hot mic moment revealed Disney’s advertising audience: The company’s Q4 earnings came with AVOD revelations and significant gains in India.

Streaming services are leaning more on advertising than they used to, resulting in increased overall ad spending but lower ad prices.

67.5 million US households use smart TVs, making it the No. 1 device among connected TV (CTV) households across the country, according to July 2024 data from Comscore.

The traditional TV bundle will further decay as more live sports embrace streaming.

Study finds 57% of streamers choose AVOD tiers: Consumers seek affordable alternatives amid subscription price hikes.

Charter Spectrum now offers $65 worth of streaming services: While easy access to alternatives could accelerate churn, pay TV has little choice.

The new feature generates offline playlists without manual downloads, boosting the app’s stickiness and expanding streaming options.

Disney’s going for efficiency across the board: Ad sales will be largely automated by 2027, while content teams are streamlined behind the scenes.

Streaming services are offering a multitude of bundles as they try to expand their ad-supported audiences.

Disney+ begins its password-sharing crackdown: The change will give a lengthy boost to ad-supported subscribers, heating up the streaming race.