As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, niche services are finding ways to succeed by building dedicated, loyal audiences. This panel will provide insights into how niche services differentiate themselves from larger players, through a combination of carefully curated content and strong community engagement. The panel also examines the challenges associated with scaling these platforms and sustaining monetization efforts, while offering practical strategies for improving audience retention and driving growth.

Connected TV (CTV) platforms are the new power players in video distribution and define how the user engages with content. In this session, Parks Associates shares research findings examining viewers preferences when interacting with CTV devices, the impact of ecosystem loyalty, and  leading platforms’ efficacy in generating additional revenue through proprietary FAST offerings.

As ad-based viewing models gain popularity, understanding user preferences for ad-supported versus subscription-based streaming services is essential. Parks Associates’ research highlights the drivers encouraging different viewing segments to watch ad-based streaming, identifies key pain points in the ad-based viewing experience, and assesses demand for interactive advertising on the TV.

Free ad-supported television (FAST) and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms have rapidly grown as alternatives to subscription-based streaming. This session explores the content creation and marketing strategies that are most effective for driving viewer engagement and loyalty in the FAST and AVOD ecosystems.   The discussion focuses on the types of content that resonate best with FAST/AVOD audiences, the challenges of balancing ad loads with content enjoyment, and innovative marketing tactics to capture attention in a crowded market.

Generative AI is revolutionizing the entertainment industry by enabling new ways of creating and distributing content, streamlining workflows, and enhancing audience engagement. In this presentation session, speakers share real-world case studies that demonstrate how AI is being used in content production, distribution, and personalization. Additionally, the session will explore how AI can help content creators and platforms reduce operational costs and increase their ability to meet the ever-changing demands of viewers. With AI becoming an integral part of the entertainment production and delivery process, the discussion will also highlight its potential future impact on the industry.

Audience preferences and business drivers are fueling a trend toward combining video service platforms to check all the boxes. Noland explores current trends in platform selection, how NextGen TV fits into the mix, and the opportunities that convergence presents for consumers and businesses.

This session provides an overview of the current state of the streaming market, drawing on Parks Associates' latest research to highlight shifts in consumer preferences, the competitive landscape, and emerging business models. With streaming continuing to grow, new players and established giants alike are battling for viewer attention and subscription dollars. Parks Associates will share research on the most popular content genres, user behaviors, and platform choices, as well as predictions on future growth areas.