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

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.

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 the US, Hulu is the fastest-growing subscription streamer on connected TV devices, with the number of households that watch it via those devices rising by 53% between January 2020 and June 2021.

On today's episode, we discuss which ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) services Americans are using, why they're using them, and if these types of viewers are different from those using subscription video-on-demand (SVOD). We then talk about what livestream TV could do to help users sign up at a faster clip, how SVOD players can reduce churn, and what to make of Disney+ considering an ad-supported tier. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna.

Gaming is a key component of Netflix’s lofty franchise goals: On its own, gaming can help Netflix increase time spent. But it’s especially valuable in its push to build popular properties into full-fledged multimedia “universes.”

Disney's exclusive theatrical runs come back with "Shang-Chi": The Marvel movie will only come to Disney+ after 45 days—and while that's better than straight-to-streaming, it's still an adjustment for theaters used to 90-day runs.

“Roku Recommends” rolls out: The new show from Roku’s branded content studio surfaces top streaming content and gives advertisers a chance to reach viewers who might otherwise skip straight to ad-free services.

A semblance of normalcy will return in 2021 after a media-saturated 2020, fueled by the pandemic. But while media time will reset somewhat this year, digital’s influence will continue to grow.

On today's episode, we discuss how The Walt Disney Co., ViacomCBS, and Roku started the year. We then talk about the new WarnerMedia-Discovery merger, Nielsen's new ratings service for streaming, and NBCUniversal's new ad formats. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Eric Haggstrom.

Amazon to buy MGM library: The deal would give Amazon leverage over rivals that license out MGM content—plus, it could help the company increase watch time on Prime Video.

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.

The proliferation of streaming services, and the fracturing of content libraries, will ultimately force consumers in Latin America to decide which platforms they value most. This will also create a unique opportunity for cheaper and free ad-supported platforms to swoop in and gain market share among the more price-conscious consumers.

On today's episode, we discuss digital video: Where has video ad spending overtaken TV, what do the streaming wars look like in different countries, and how much has live sports migrated to digital platforms? Tune in to the discussion as eMarketer senior analyst Bill Fisher hosts principal analyst Karin von Abrams, senior analyst Paul Briggs, and research director at Insider Intelligence Matteo Ceurvels.

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.

On today's episode, we discuss why paid newsletter subscriptions are having a moment, the competitive advantages of the biggest players, and why marketers should (or shouldn't) get involved. We then talk about HBO Max's upcoming ad-supported offering, whether Microsoft buying Discord makes sense, and the real problem with password sharing. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer analyst at Insider Intelligence Nina Goetzen.

Disney delays its theatrical return: Straight-to-streaming releases and shorter theatrical windows are dimming hopes of a full movie industry recovery this year. Worse, some changes may be permanent, further hurting the entertainment industry’s ad spending growth.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Disney+ can overtake Netflix as the top streaming service and how important subscription bundles will be in the future. We then talk about which of the streaming platforms is winning the "original" and "exclusive" content battle, Netflix's free content strategy, and AT&T's plans for DirecTV. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Ross Benes.

Though Netflix had an overall stellar 2020, it was a rollercoaster: More than two-thirds of its new subscribers were added in H1 2020, only for net subscriber additions to fall to just 2.2 million in Q3 2020.

eMarketer principal analysts Mark Dolliver, Sara M. Watson, and Debra Aho Williamson, junior analyst Blake Droesch, and vice president of content studio at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna discuss whether the FTC will break up Facebook, a new Discovery+ streaming service, whether Facebook ads are reaching saturation, how customer service changed in 2020, the FTC wanting Big Tech to explain what they do with data, what most people dream about, and more.