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OTTPublished Mar 7, 20245 min read

The Rise of Advertising in the OTT Realm

Throughout the existence of entertainment, advertising has been an essential component for companies.

Rens Mensink

By Rens Mensink, Business Development Manager

The Rise of Advertising in the OTT Realm

Throughout the existence of entertainment, advertising has been an essential component for companies. Whether it is a simple snippet or a multi-million-dollar production, advertisements have a significant influence as a promotional tool. Over the years, we have witnessed the changing roles of ads, coinciding with the rising popularity of streaming services. As the entertainment industry transforms the growing modern viewing experience.

Understanding AVOD and How It Differs from SVOD

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content consumption, one word that has been making waves in popularity is - AVOD or Advertising Video on Demand. AVOD represents a digital content distribution model that allows users to access video content without associated costs. Allowing viewers to indulge in hours of free entertainment.

As AVOD-related platforms invest in producing original content to attract and retain users, these platforms have experienced a significant surge in popularity. Notably, household names such as Hulu, Peacock and YouTube have emerged as go-to AVOD platforms, engaging users with their diverse content offerings.

So, what sets SVOD and AVOD platforms apart? The key difference lies in the revenue model. Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) platforms like Netflix and Disney+ charge users a monthly access fee. Whereas AVOD platforms, generate revenue by showcasing advertisements to their viewers. Making AVOD an enticing and appealing model for both users and content providers.

Rising Subscription Costs and the Shift to Ad-Supported Tiers

As popular streaming services continue to increase their monthly subscription fees, a growing number of users are interested in discovering different avenues for streaming their favourite content. With platforms recognising this shift in preferences, some are now considering the introduction of ad-funded tiers to cater to the rising demand. According to an Accenture survey, which was based in five regions, including Europe and the US, 63% of consumers find it too expensive to subscribe to all the entertainment services they would like. This financial strain has led users to seek more affordable alternatives.

As AVOD has gained widespread popularity, leading streaming platforms such as Netflix have begun to recognise that some customers may find their services unaffordable. To address this, platforms have introduced a hybrid video-on-demand model (HVOD). HVOD is a streaming model that blends monetization streams, through offering ad-supported subscriptions at a more affordable monthly rate. This approach has proven to be highly successful, with platforms such as Netflix having one million users subscribed to their ad-supported tier.

The Cost of OTT Advertising

When a company is considering the cost of the addition of OTT as a feature, the expenses can vary depending on their target audience. OTT advertising is becoming more popular among small to medium-sized businesses, allowing them to compete with larger companies in the television industry. The financial commitment is dependent on the brand’s specific requirements, with some platforms necessitating a substantial monthly expenditure.

The Appeal of FAST Channels

Advertising also plays a major role in the success of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels. These channels have a similar format of cable layouts and guides, creating a seamless viewing experience for users. FAST channels have increased in popularity, gaining a boost and favour amongst users on platforms where it is available. The appeal of FAST channels lies in its mixture of traditional broadcasts within the evolving streaming landscape.

What makes FAST channels more interesting than the norm is that they offer a laid-back approach, unlike traditional subscription streaming services where users actively search and select programmes. Through this, users gain more control, allowing them to enjoy a continuous stream of TV content without the obligation of a monthly subscription fee. Not only does this provide users hours of TV entertainment at no cost but also subtracts the need for a monthly cable TV bill, adding an extra layer of financial freedom to the viewing experience.

Building an Effective OTT Advertising Strategy

To gain optimal results and personalisation in an OTT journey, incorporating some key features can prove immensely beneficial. Firstly, crafting a strategy is essential throughout this process, as it facilitates effective progress tracking but also amplifies the overall brand awareness. A strategic approach also ensures that users are captivated without feeling overwhelmed by the number of ads. Furthermore, delving into the second crucial part is the consideration of the format. OTT ads can seamlessly run on four primary devices: CTVs, computers, iOS, and Android. Tailoring campaigns to those devices ensure a targeted approach, enhancing the reach and impact of the message. Using these practices in a business model can help create a more personalized and visually engaging OTT landscape.

How TV2Z and Veely Bring Ad-Supported Streaming to Life

At TV2Z, we’ve integrated our solutions with leading ad providers and upgraded our apps and players to be ad-compliant. This guarantees that we can offer our customers a new avenue for monetisation. Veely, a media organisation based in the UK, are all about unlocking the door of thousands of hours of live and on-demand programs, ranging from documentaries, wildlife adventures, history, and reality TV. All of this is just one click away. Through collaborating with us, Veely now possesses a cutting-edge Ad-compliant Lighting application that is now live on Comcast!

This not only enhanced the viewing experience with a sleek look and design but also made their content more accessible to viewers. What sets Veely apart? Well, it lies in its commitment to providing customers with a viewing experience that comes at no cost, setting it apart from subscription-based products. Veely’s commitment to a no-cost viewing experience makes it a standout in the competitive market, offering a refreshing alternative that aligns with the growing trend and preferences for cost-free AVOD services.

Exploring the Future of AVOD with TV2Z

Given the dynamic and growing landscape of streaming and app development, AVOD has established its presence and continues to thrive in our society. The possibilities for application development are endless and we are looking forward to exploring them more. To embark on this journey with TV2Z, feel free to reach out to us to discover what solutions and services we can offer you!

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