Here’s a round up of some OTT and TV news that’s piqued our interest over the course of the last few weeks:
Growth in ad-supported video viewing
Colin Dixon over at nScreenMedia shared some interesting data this month via FreeWheel that indicates support for the growth in free ad-supported streaming TV. This is further backed up by viewing stats released from both Xumo and Pluto TV claiming increased monthly active users.
In related news, ad-supported service Pluto TV (owned by ViacomCBS) is looking to expand further internationally, with launches expected soon in Spain with France and Italy following suit in 2021.
Disney+ outpacing subscriber growth forecasts
According to analysts MoffettNathanson, Disney+ is expected to have secured 155 million subscribers around the world, with 50 million of those in the US by 2024. The streaming platform has also indicated it expects to be profitable by 2024. However, FierceVideo reported just a few days later that Disney+ could take a step back in the fourth quarter when the 12 month Verizon promo subscription comes to an end. Watch this space to see if they turn into paying subscribers..
Are you still watching?
Could Netflix be considering changes to the ‘are you still watching?’ feature that’s frustrated many people for years? This could improve the overall viewing experience for binge watchers!
The generational divide
Taking a look at Ampere’s Consumer media consumption and behavior tracker uncovered some generational trends related to two of this year’s latest OTT launches - HBO Max and NBCUniversal’s Peacock. The tracker, which surveyed 4,000 US Internet users indicates that the two services appeal to different age groups:
- HBO Max subscribers are 50 per cent more likely than the sample average to be 25 to 44 years old
- Peacock apparently appeals to a slightly older group – in particular, the 35 to 44-year olds
Roll up, roll up
If you have a spare $87,000 up your sleeve, (and you live in South Korea), you can now purchase the world-first rollable TV from LG. Hailed as “the most innovative development in television technology in decades” its flexible nature means it can retract partially or fully into its base, adapting to different aspect ratios or hiding the panel completely when not in use.