Disney reaches its goal of 7,000 job cuts: The entertainment giant has entered a complicated period with slow streaming growth and battles in Florida.
Netflix’s enhancements to its ad-supported tier has helped it amass 5 million monthly active users worldwide, though its password crackdown could slow momentum. Meanwhile, Max, the combined streaming service of HBO Max and Discovery+, debuted to “early positive feedback,” and Paramount+ hopes partnering with Showtime will prevent it from losing subscribers.
Ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) services will gain more than triple the US viewers that subscription OTT video will this year, per our forecast. AVOD will add 13.3 million viewers, including 4.3 million from free premium platforms, for a total of 157.1 million. Meanwhile, subscription OTT services will gain 4.3 million viewers to reach 222.2 million.
The strike's impact on film: The WGA work halt could have an outsized long-term impact.
Two-thirds of Netflix password-sharers say they’ll get their own sub: Netflix’s password changes are unpopular, but they’ll still grow revenues.
Peacock throws its weight around in India: Despite not being as cash-rich as competing streamers, Peacock is finding ways to make an imprint.
YouTube is positioned to be an advertising powerhouse. It’s one of the original digital video players, courting advertisers at a time when connected TV advertising is climbing. The platform’s Google ties offer it a more trustworthy reputation in the US than TikTok. And use is already extremely high. But YouTube’s high standing also makes growth difficult. Here are five charts summarizing YouTube’s position and potential.
Peacock offers subscriptions for $1.67 per month: A limited-time deal could drive user growth, but losses will widen.
Max’s disastrous rollout won’t doom the service: Executives seem unphased by technical issues, and advertisers are sure to hop on board.
Comcast’s cord-cutting pivot: Its Now TV will offer an attractively priced streaming option combining live and ad-supported channels.
Netflix password-sharing changes are here: US account holders will soon have to pay for new users, but there are limits based on subscription tiers.
Citing constitutional violations and hindrance to user-generated content dissemination, any outcome may affect tech regulation across states and digital ecosystems.
Streaming shake up: Paramount+ integrates with Showtime, while HBO Max drops ‘HBO’ and transforms into Max, introducing Discovery+ programming.
A quarter of US adults recently cut their spending on video streaming subscriptions due to inflation, per a Morning Consult survey. Slightly less cut back on music streaming subscriptions (24%) and cable or satellite TV (23%). Across all entertainment categories studied, more adults either didn’t pull back or didn’t pay for the product or service in the first place.
The new legislation will impose fines on TikTok for continuing operations in the state and on Apple and Google for enabling app downloads.
Upfronts are Netflix’s coming-out party: This is the week it became an ad company. Really.
On today's episode, we discuss whether the most watched program in the US (the NFL) has a looming viewership problem, Disney+ and Hulu joining forces, whether the free returns party is over, ride-hailing apps giving mixed messages, YouTube viewership on TV screens, the best-selling video games in history, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood and analysts Ross Benes and Paul Verna.
Disney adapts to industry challenges: House of Mouse emphasizes ESPN's sports offerings and nonscripted content at upfronts.
A Disney purchase of Hulu would upend the streaming industry: Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said it’s willing to sell its stake to Disney, ending a stalemate.
WBD highlights Max’s ad options at upfront: The new streamer launches next week, and promises a better viewer experience than HBO Max offered.