IndieWire gathered some of television’s top creative voices June 5 at NeueHouse in Hollywood for the 2025 edition of the IndieWire Honors, an intimate awards event spotlighting independent creators and the best in film and television.
Now in its eighth year, the annual event recognized a curated list of talent across genres, platforms and creative disciplines. This year’s honorees included Oscar-winner Kathy Bates for her return to network television in “Matlock”; writer and producer Mara Brock Akil (“Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane”); and “Severance” director duo Ben Stiller and Jessica Lee Gagné for their work on the Apple TV+ hit.
Comedian and “Hacks” star Robby Hoffman hosted the evening, delivering a sharp, irreverent opening monologue that walked the line between industry satire and heartfelt admiration for the night’s recipients. Her performance set the tone for a night that balanced celebration with self-awareness.
Director Stiller, whose pivot to prestige TV has been widely praised, was honored alongside cinematographer Gagné for their collaborative vision on “Severance.” Their segment of the night included a reflection on the growing creative synergy between filmmakers and streaming platforms, especially in serialized storytelling.
Colin Farrell was recognized for his unconventional choices in recent years, including his performance in “Sugar,” while Julianne Nicholson received honors for her role in the genre-bending “Fallout,” praised for anchoring the series with emotional authenticity.
Newcomer Owen Cooper, who led the breakout series “Adolescence,” drew a standing ovation for his emotionally nuanced performance and rapid ascent in the television world. The event also celebrated “Forever” creator Mara Brock Akil for her career-spanning commitment to centering underrepresented voices in entertainment.
Throughout the night, themes of reinvention and risk-taking were echoed not just in acceptance speeches, but in the atmosphere itself. IndieWire’s approach emphasized individuality and craft over commerce, in a year where the TV industry continues to grapple with economic uncertainty and shifting distribution models.
In a fitting finale, the event closed with a call to keep championing the creative process in a medium that is constantly evolving.
As the horizon of technology continually expands, the imminent evolution in how we interact with digital devices is taking a transformative leap forward. Smart glasses equipped with binocular display systems are emerging not just as a novelty but as a foundational shift in technology. These innovative devices are poised to revolutionize the entertainment industry and potentially replace traditional handheld devices, heralding a new era in personal technology.
The Technology Explained
Binocular display systems utilize dual displays to project images to both eyes, creating a stereoscopic effect that emulates natural human vision. This technology enhances depth perception and allows for a more immersive experience. In smart glasses, this can lead to augmented reality (AR) overlays that integrate seamlessly with the user’s environment, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. Imagine watching a thriller where the suspense isn’t just on screen — it’s all around you.
Current State of the Market
The wearable technology market is burgeoning, set to expand to $54 billion by 2027, according to GlobalData. Smart glasses are a significant portion of this growth, with an expected CAGR of 13% over the next five years. Industry giants such as Apple, Google, and Meta are leading this surge with a combined investment of more than $10 billion in AR and VR technologies. Their commitment highlights the anticipated shift in primary devices for media consumption, signaling a fundamental change in how we will interact with digital content. Looking ahead, the evolution of smart glasses is set to take a significant leap by 2027, with industry giants such as Meta planning to introduce advanced models such as the Hypernova 2, which will feature binocular displays for both eyes, potentially setting new standards for immersive and interactive media experiences.
Implications for TV and Film
The adoption of smart glasses with binocular display systems could revolutionize viewer engagement. Nielsen reports that AR features can enhance viewer engagement rates by up to 30% over traditional methods. Additionally, PwC forecasts that immersive technologies, including AR, might constitute as much as 23% of all media consumption by 2030. This shift opens up novel content formats and genres that harness AR capabilities, offering interactive narratives and live events with unparalleled immersion.
Revolutionizing Entertainment: How Smart Glasses are Shaping the Future of Media
Enhanced Viewer Engagement: With direct and personalized content overlays, viewers can experience a level of interaction previously unattainable, deepening emotional and cognitive connections to the content.
New Content Formats: Innovations in AR could lead to new genres that leverage immersive environments, potentially reducing production costs through virtual sets and enhanced storytelling techniques.
Advertising and Monetization: Integrated, context-aware advertising could transform how brands engage with consumers, making promotions more subtle and effective.
Production and Distribution: These technologies enable content to be tailored for direct distribution to viewers’ smart glasses, bypassing traditional media channels and fostering a closer creator-audience relationship.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite the promising horizon, several hurdles remain. The Consumer Technology Association indicates that overcoming the initial consumer resistance seen in earlier wearable technologies — where adoption jumped from 12% to 35% within five years — will be crucial for smart glasses. Concerns about privacy and data security remain significant, with 54% of consumers hesitant due to potential privacy violations, according to a Harris Poll.
The Role of Content Creators and Entertainment Executives
As creatives and industry professionals, we must not only adapt to these technological shifts but also drive them. By pioneering and championing content designed for smart glasses, we can guide the industry toward this new paradigm. Collaboration with tech developers will be essential in ensuring that smart glasses meet the unique needs of the entertainment sector and that we have the right monetization strategies in place to capitalize on content and this new viewing experience. The future is at our doorstep, and it invites us not just to step through, but to shape what lies beyond. As studios, creators, viewers, and innovators, let’s embrace this technology and redefine the essence of media consumption. Join us in crafting this exciting future.
The evolution of smart glasses equipped with binocular display systems is poised to fundamentally alter the entertainment landscape. This technology offers more than just a new way to watch; it offers a new way to experience and interact with content. As we navigate this transition, the potential for innovation in storytelling, viewer engagement, and content personalization is immense. The integration of smart glasses into everyday life signals a shift deeper than just enhancing entertainment — it promises a comprehensive evolution in human-technology interaction. These devices suggest a future where traditional handhelds may become obsolete, overtaken by wearable technology that offers more enriched, connected, and immersive experiences. This shift challenges us to rethink not only how we consume media but how we incorporate digital technology into our daily lives. As this technology advances, it will redefine personal connectivity in ways we are just beginning to understand.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
November 2024 is proving to be a pivotal month in the streaming world, where bold decisions and strategic surprises are reshaping the way audiences engage with content. From innovative platform launches to dramatic rebrands and consolidations, the industry’s dynamism reflects a relentless pursuit of relevance in an increasingly competitive market. Let’s explore the highlights driving this transformation and what they reveal about the future of streaming.
Jerry Inman
Global Moves: Simplifying and Scaling Streaming
The global stage is abuzz with strategic pivots. Amazon has opted to sunset Freevee, folding its content into Prime Video’s “Watch for Free” section. This move streamlines Amazon’s ecosystem, combining its free and subscription offerings under one roof while maintaining free access for non-Prime users. It’s a calculated consolidation, emphasizing simplicity and maximizing Prime Video’s market dominance.
In another global development, Warner Bros. Discovery is preparing to tighten password-sharing rules for its Max platform. By introducing a paid sharing option, Max not only curbs unauthorized usage but also taps into a new revenue stream, underscoring a growing trend of monetizing shared access.
On the other end of the spectrum, the National Lacrosse League’s launch of NLL+ introduces a free global platform for live games and replays, amplifying the league’s visibility as it builds momentum toward the 2028 Olympics. It’s a masterstroke in engaging niche audiences with a mix of accessibility and exclusivity.
North America: A Hub of Innovation and Reinvention
In North America, the streaming market is bustling with reinvention. CHSN, a dedicated platform for Chicago sports fans, has introduced an à la carte model, letting viewers subscribe to specific team coverage or bundle all three — Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox — for a comprehensive sports experience.
Meanwhile, Watchie TV debuted as a free ad-supported service catering to bilingual communities through a rich array of FAST channels. With its partnership-driven approach and zero fees for ISPs, Watchie TV is redefining how local content is delivered, creating new advertising opportunities while filling a community-centric void.
Rebranding also takes center stage. Videotron’s illico+ merges two established services, Club Illico and Vrai, into a unified French-language hub. Featuring a curated mix of Quebecois originals and global exclusives, illico+ highlights the power of localized content in capturing loyal audiences.
Europe: Expanding Horizons and Trimming Excess
In Europe, Paramount+ has introduced tailored subscription tiers for the United Kingdom and Ireland. With an affordable Basic plan and a feature-rich Premium option, Paramount+ caters to a wide audience spectrum, balancing affordability with quality to expand its subscriber base.
At the same time, Amazon’s discontinuation of Freevee in Austria, Germany, and the U.K. reflects a trend toward focused operations. By consolidating free content into Prime Video, Amazon reduces overhead while streamlining user access, signaling an industry-wide shift toward efficiency over redundancy.
Latin America: Embracing Growth and Consolidation
Latin America continues to thrive as a hotbed for innovation. Aba TV Go launched in Venezuela, blending live TV with advanced features like pausing and recording, while integrating seamlessly across multiple devices. This hybrid model caters to a market eager for modernized entertainment without losing traditional TV’s familiarity.
Simultaneously, Discovery+ announced its January 2025 exit from Brazil, merging its content into Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform. This consolidation simplifies Discovery’s presence in the region, creating a robust unified service that speaks to the diverse tastes of Latin American audiences.
Asia: Expanding Reach, Capturing Attention
Asia saw Warner Bros. Discovery extend its Max platform to new markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. With content spanning HBO, DC, and the Cartoon Network, alongside blockbuster premieres such as Dune: Prophecy, this expansion underscores the region’s strategic importance. By combining global appeal with regional customization, Max sets a high bar for platforms seeking to make an impact in Asia.
Key Takeaways: Adaptability as the Streaming Superpower
November’s developments illustrate that adaptability remains the streaming industry’s superpower. From rebrands and consolidations to innovative launches and audience-focused tiering, platforms are rewriting the rules of engagement. Simplification and scalability are emerging as core strategies, ensuring platforms not only capture but also sustain viewer interest.
As audiences demand more personalized, flexible, and value-driven content, platforms must continuously evolve to meet those expectations. November 2024 serves as a compelling case study in how bold pivots and strategic surprises can secure a competitive edge in an ever-shifting ecosystem.
For the streaming world, the message is clear: innovation isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of staying relevant in a global marketplace brimming with opportunities.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
The rise and fall of Quibi left many questioning the viability of short-form, mobile-first video content. Yet, in 2024, the market is showing explosive growth. According to Appfigures, short drama apps such as ReelShort and DramaBox generated $146 million in global consumer spending in Q1 2024, a stunning 8,000% increase from the previous year. This resurgence in bite-sized, vertical video series suggests Quibi may have been ahead of its time.
The Vertical Video Resurgence
Jerry Inman
Vertical video series, typically consisting of one-to-two-minute episodes, have gained significant traction in the past year, especially on mobile platforms. Apps such as ReelShort and DramaBox have managed to capture audiences with quirky, engaging content that fills the gaps between traditional TV and social media viewing. With 37 million downloads in Q1 2024 alone, these apps are establishing a foothold in the evolving digital content landscape.
Unlike Quibi, which banked on high production values and A-list talent, today’s short drama apps rely on low-budget productions that often embrace campy, soap-opera-like premises. Yet this hasn’t hindered their growth; in fact, the simplicity and accessibility of these stories have attracted millions of users across the globe, particularly in Asia and the United States.
What’s notable about this resurgence is that it builds on an already growing trend in content consumption, particularly among younger audiences. According to March 2024 data from the tracking firm MIDG, Millennials and Gen Z are driving this movement, with 49% and 26%, respectively, of U.S. vertical series viewers falling into these categories. These generations have long embraced the “snackable” content model, which aligns perfectly with their fast-paced, mobile-first lifestyles.
AVOD: A New Frontier for Short-Form Content
The surge in short-form vertical series presents a compelling opportunity for AVOD platforms. As consumers increasingly look for snackable content that fits seamlessly into their busy, mobile-centric lives, AVOD platforms such as YouTube, Tubi, and PlutoTV are ideally positioned to capitalize on this trend. However, while YouTube can easily integrate these bite-sized episodes into its vast, user-driven content ecosystem, premium platforms such as Tubi and PlutoTV may need to be more selective. These platforms, known for their high-quality, longer-form programming, might focus on carefully curating short-form content that aligns with their brand and audience expectations.
For YouTube, short-form episodes fit naturally into its ad-driven model, where viewers are accustomed to diverse content lengths and frequent ads. The rapid-fire nature of vertical dramas creates more opportunities for ad placements, increasing revenue potential without disrupting the viewer experience. Mobile viewers, who are already comfortable with shorter, on-demand content, can consume these episodes quickly, with minimal commitment.
In contrast, Tubi and PlutoTV, as premium platforms, may choose to integrate short-form content more strategically. To maintain their premium positioning, they might focus on curating vertical series with higher production values or thematic relevance, ensuring that the content complements their existing libraries. While these platforms can certainly benefit from short-form content’s ad potential, they will likely be more discerning in how it is presented to maintain the quality and brand consistency that their audiences expect.
Overall, vertical video’s mobile-first focus makes it a natural fit for AVOD platforms, particularly as younger audiences seek quick, engaging content. As AVOD increasingly competes with social video apps such as TikTok and Instagram, integrating vertical series into their offerings could help drive longer engagement while also boosting ad revenue.
Monetization Strategies That Work
One of the most notable differences between Quibi and today’s vertical video apps is their approach to monetization. Rather than relying on subscription models, ReelShort and DramaBox have embraced an à la carte payment system, allowing users to access a few episodes for free before paying to unlock more content. This flexible payment model has proved to be a major driver of the 8,000% revenue growth in the short drama app market.
AVOD platforms, which already rely on advertising to drive revenue, could adopt similar strategies by blending ad-supported viewing with pay-per-content options. This hybrid model could give users greater flexibility while providing platforms with additional revenue streams. Moreover, the massive growth in downloads and consumer spending indicates that users are willing to pay for quick, convenient entertainment when it fits into their daily routines.
Consumer Behavior and the Power of Mobile-First Entertainment
As mobile-first entertainment continues to evolve, understanding consumer behavior becomes critical for platforms. Short drama apps have tapped into a fundamental shift in viewing preferences. Audiences are no longer tied to lengthy viewing sessions or traditional programming schedules. Instead, they prefer on-demand content that can be consumed quickly, whether they’re commuting, waiting in line, or winding down for the night.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
Generation Alpha, the youngest demographic, is on the cusp of defining its cultural identity, and early indicators suggest a seismic shift in entertainment preferences. According to new data from Precise TV, this generation is gravitating towards social video and user-generated content (UGC), posing a significant challenge to the dominance of traditional streaming platforms.
Jerry Inman
In 2024, 62% of Gen Alphas reported recent use of SVOD services, making it a leading choice among entertainment options. However, the data also reveals an expanding gap between SVOD and social video platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, signaling a broader trend that could reshape the media landscape. The difference in usage between SVOD and YouTube, for instance, increased from 14% to 19% within a year, reflecting the growing appeal of UGC.
This shift is not entirely unexpected. YouTube, now more popular than ever, commands a substantial user base. According to Nielsen’s latest Media Distributor Gauge, YouTube currently boasts higher TV usage than many traditional platforms. This rise in popularity underscores YouTube’s ability to capture and retain young viewers, who are increasingly drawn to its diverse and engaging content.
SVOD services, while still popular, face several hurdles that may impede their growth. Years of price hikes, content shakeups, and the proliferation of bundled services have created a complex and often costly landscape for consumers. These factors contribute to a slower rate of expansion compared to the more dynamic and accessible social video platforms.
The Rise of FAST and AVOD
Adding to the competitive pressure on traditional SVOD services are free ad-supported options, such as FAST and AVOD platforms. These services are gaining traction among Gen Alpha, offering a compelling alternative to subscription-based models. With the lure of free content supported by ads, FAST and AVOD are becoming increasingly popular among young viewers who are more accepting of ad interruptions in exchange for cost-free entertainment.
FAST platforms, such as Pluto TV and Tubi, provide a wide array of content without the need for a subscription, making them an attractive option for families and younger audiences. Similarly, AVOD services such as Hulu’s ad-supported tier and YouTube’s ad-driven content offer diverse programming without the financial commitment of a subscription, broadening access to entertainment for Gen Alpha.
TikTok, another major player in the social video space, is also capturing the attention of Gen Alpha. Despite age restrictions that technically prevent most of this demographic from using social media, TikTok’s influence is undeniable. In 2024, 44% of Gen Alphas reported using TikTok, surpassing linear TV, which garnered 39% of their attention, according to Precise TV data. This rapid growth highlights TikTok’s ability to engage young audiences with short, captivating videos that cater to their preferences for quick, bite-sized content.
Moreover, the competition between social video platforms is intensifying. YouTube Shorts, a direct competitor to TikTok, has seen its average daily watch times rival those of TikTok. This burgeoning rivalry indicates a shift in the entertainment landscape, where short-form content is becoming increasingly popular among younger viewers.
While SVOD platforms still command a significant portion of Gen Alpha’s screen time, social video platforms are closing in. YouTube, despite being a major player, is not the only threat to SVOD. Live streaming platform Twitch has also emerged as a favorite among Gen Alpha, with 63% of surveyed kids spending two or more hours on the platform, according to Precise TV data. In contrast, SVOD experiences a noticeable drop in viewership at the two-hour mark, suggesting that younger audiences may prefer more interactive and engaging content.
Implications for the Media Industry
The implications of these trends are profound. As Gen Alpha continues to grow, their media consumption habits will evolve, potentially reshaping the entire entertainment industry. Traditional media companies must adapt to these changes, finding new ways to engage young audiences who are increasingly turning to digital and social platforms for their entertainment needs.
One of the key factors driving this shift is the nature of the content available on social video platforms. UGC offers a level of relatability and authenticity that traditional media often lacks. For Gen Alpha, who value connection and authenticity, this type of content is particularly appealing. Creators on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok can quickly respond to trends and audience preferences, providing a dynamic and ever-evolving content experience.
Moreover, the interactive nature of social video platforms adds another layer of engagement. Platforms like Twitch allow viewers to interact with streamers in real-time, creating a sense of community and connection that traditional media cannot easily replicate. This level of interactivity is particularly appealing to younger audiences who are used to engaging with content in more interactive ways.
The rise of social video and UGC also has implications for advertisers. Traditional advertising methods may not be as effective with Gen Alpha, who are more likely to engage with content that feels authentic and relevant. Advertisers will need to adapt their strategies, leveraging influencer marketing and more interactive ad formats to capture the attention of this digitally savvy generation.
As the oldest members of Gen Alpha turn 14 this year, their media consumption habits are still in flux. However, the trends highlighted by Precise TV’s data suggest that the future of entertainment lies in the hands of social video, UGC, and ad-supported platforms. Traditional media companies must embrace these changes, finding new ways to innovate and connect with younger audiences.
In conclusion, the media landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the evolving preferences of Generation Alpha. Social video, UGC and FAST/AVOD are emerging as dominant forces, challenging the traditional streaming paradigm. As this generation continues to grow, their impact on the industry will only become more pronounced. Media companies that can adapt to these changes and leverage the power of social video and ad-supported models will be well-positioned to capture the attention and loyalty of the next generation of viewers.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
As the epicenter of media and entertainment innovation culminated at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas this week, it didn’t just showcase cutting-edge technology. The show also offered profound insights into the future landscape of the industry.
1. AI Potential vs. Reality: Bridging the Gap
The buzz around generative AI and machine learning in streaming is palpable, but despite 80% of major studios having AI initiatives, the real-world applications remain minimal. The bottleneck? Lofty expectations from the start and governance. Without clear guidelines and champions driving AI implementation, its transformative potential remains untapped. It’s OK to start with back-end content supply chain applications such as normalizing data and title matching, but it’s time to move beyond theoretical discussions and showcase tangible use cases that demonstrate AI’s impact on content creation, curation, and distribution.
2. Shifting Power Dynamics in Technology Decision Making
Traditionally, engineers held the reins in driving strategic technology decisions. However, NAB 2024 shed light on a significant paradigm shift: finance teams are emerging as influential decision-makers. What’s surprising isn’t this transition, but rather the low engagement of finance teams with vendors. As technology increasingly intertwines with financial strategies, fostering collaboration between finance and technology departments becomes imperative for informed decision-making and hard-core business outcomes.
3. The Quest for Accurate Viewership Reporting and Metrics
The lack of accurate viewership data remains a persistent challenge. Amid the proliferation of streaming platforms and the rise of ad-supported models like FAST, the need for reliable metrics is more pressing than ever. Streaming executives must pivot their focus toward addressing this information gap while streamlining product offerings and optimizing costs. Data should be driving cost efficiencies and revenue potential, making hyper-focused strategies tailored to audience preferences imperative. Also, to have more accurate metrics and measurements, you need to bring data from different sources so that you can consolidate and synthesize into actionable analytics. So, an example could be that when you bring together a viewership currency with surveys and social sentiment data, you have a much more focused approach to reporting metrics. So, having the ability to to get both quant and qual data allows a more measured approach and a new way to look at viewership.
4. Embracing Multiyear Technology Roadmaps
Gone are the days of shortsighted technology partnerships. Media and entertainment organizations are increasingly embracing multi-year technology roadmaps, signaling a shift toward long-term strategic collaborations. By aligning technology investments with overarching business objectives, organizations are trying to future-proof their operations and stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Vendors that can offer business value today and are flexible enough to incorporate cutting edge technology into their offering will become the leading trusted partners to the entertainment industry.
5. Bridging Education Gaps Across the Streaming Value Chain
Knowledge asymmetry persists at senior levels within the streaming value chain, leading to flawed assumptions and decisions. Addressing these education gaps is critical for fostering innovation and driving informed strategies. From content creators to distribution platforms, investing in continuous education and upskilling initiatives can empower industry leaders to navigate complexities and seize emerging opportunities.
NAB 2024 served as a catalyst for introspection and action within the entertainment industry. As we navigate the dynamic landscape ahead, it’s imperative to bridge the gap between potential and reality, embrace collaborative decision-making, prioritize data accuracy, adopt long-term strategic partnerships, and invest in continuous learning. By doing so, we can unlock the full spectrum of possibilities and propel our industry towards a future defined by innovation and resilience.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
FAST/AVOD platforms are transforming the way content is delivered and consumed. Major studios, content providers, and distributors use consumption data to illuminate viewer content affinities, and help explain which program channels align best with the right mix of advertisers.
Jerry Inman
Yet, this is only half the battle. Alongside this innovation come the challenges to track and manage all the complex financial relationships among revenue-sharing and viewership data from platform partners in order to efficiently manage and monetize FAST data.
Standardized data is crucial to optimize revenue performance at the title-level, and resolve primary reporting pain points around viewership for TV and film content rights on FAST platforms. In a world where advertising revenue is king, companies of all sizes must have an easy way to monitor revenue performance prior to, during, and after deals are finalized, as a means to success.
Challenges in Reporting
In this new landscape, content providers are generally paid through revenue-sharing agreements, and they face major hurdles in building payment processes that monitor, reconcile and report on financial operations, and key performance measurements, such as fixed and recoupable fees, inventory share and more.
Finance Infrastructure Development
The fast-paced nature of the media industry has forced FAST/AVOD platforms to hastily establish their finance infrastructures. Often, this process involves numerous spreadsheets and manual processes that are time-consuming and prone to errors. As the platform matures, however, it becomes crucial to streamline and automate payment processes in order to reduce the risk of inaccuracies, improve operational efficiency, and scale partnerships.
Auditability and Traceability Issues
Maintaining auditability and traceability is imperative for maintaining control over financial transactions. As platforms expand their revenue-sharing agreements with content providers, audits increasingly become an inevitable aspect of the business. Ensuring that these audits can be handled with ease requires a comprehensive system that accurately records all financial interactions among the platform and its content providers. This safeguards against discrepancies and fosters trust.
Reporting Intricacies
The intricacies of reporting within the FAST/AVOD landscape are manifold. Other prominent challenges include:
Adjustments for different supply and demand partners: FAST/AVOD platforms often collaborate with various supply and demand partners, each with unique financial terms and conditions. Ensuring accurate adjustments for these differences demands a meticulous approach.
Accounting for contract terms and recoupable expenses: Content providers are compensated through various financial terms, including minimum guarantees (MGs), recoupable fees, fixed fees, and inventory share.
Managing these variables requires precise tracking and calculation.
Generating content provider statements: Generating accurate and comprehensive content provider statements on a regular basis is crucial for transparency and accountability.
Determining advertiser revenue and billing: Monthly tasks involve determining the revenue generated from advertisers, billing, and generating the required Journal Entries (JE) for accurate financial reporting.
How to Overcome Challenges
The challenges mentioned — rapid finance infrastructure development, auditability and traceability concerns, and reporting intricacies — highlight the need for a well-structured and single automated payment system. Such a unified system provides for:
Streamlined Title-Level Revenue Reporting
Meet reporting obligations, improve accuracy and control, and streamline title-level revenue reporting to hundreds of content providers.
Control and Management of Content Cost
ASC 920 and direct-to-consumer are impacting the industry, forcing networks and streaming platforms to revisit the way they account for content costs. It is critical to automate and enforce policy into the way that content is accounted for and paid. Direct integrations to ERP systems increase cost savings and control.
Settlement Processing Acceleration
Having an automated workflow eliminates tedious manual work while ensuring control, accuracy and auditability for all pay TV, free to air and SVOD fees. Automated programmer settlements should directly consume subscriber billing data, calculate all fee types from residential to B2B, generate statements and invoicing, and provide analytics into costs.
The ability to automate a VOD supply chain, and seamlessly connect to studios and content readiness partners, makes financial operations more efficient and provides an advantage and ability to drive growth.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
A transformation is underway within the streaming industry, and the rush to acquire and retain viewers has led to the exponential growth of FAST/AVOD platforms.
Jerry Inman
Today, there are estimated to be more than 1,400 FAST channels across 22 networks available in the United States. As subscriber acquisition is no longer the driving force behind long-term growth, and a shift away from content exclusivity continues to widen the content landscape, studios, platforms, and distributors are all developing FAST strategies, and paving the way for multi-year release schedules of new and licensed content.
The evolution in FAST channel development and distribution is now embraced by studios, enabling them to expand their footprints and create new areas for specific content that might otherwise not have a home. This has conspicuously shifted the burden of audience engagement to FAST platforms to create compelling channels that captivate viewers and maximize revenue.
How to Create a Modern Content Discovery Experience
TV audiences have instant access to millions of individual titles through streaming services, which has contributed to both “subscriber fatigue” and decisioning dilemmas as a result of an overwhelming amount of content choices and sources. Viewers switch to a different TV show or movie with just a click, which leaves viewers increasingly available to discover content that they are personally interested in.
In order to be successful, FAST platforms must be able to effectively personalize the user viewing experience in order to maintain positive engagement with content and retain users. Metadata, or data about data, is the secret ingredient. Metadata is required to connect consumers to the most resonant content, which ultimately powers fresher user discovery, and more personalized program recommendations.
Metadata is used to describe and organize content, and make it easier for users to discover content, drive channel awareness, and provide for program insights. Other use cases include:
Create curated channels based on user interests: FAST platforms can use metadata to create curated channels based on user interests. For example, a platform could create a channel for fans of action movies, a channel for fans of comedy shows, and a channel for fans of cooking shows.
Recommend content to users based on their viewing history: FAST platforms can use metadata to recommend content to users based on their viewing history. For example, if a user has recently watched several action movies, the FAST service could recommend other action movies to the user, or even international content from that same genre.
Target personalized ads based on user interests: FAST services can use metadata to target ads to users based on their viewing habits, preferences, and interests. For example, if a user has an affinity for home and garden shows, the FAST platform could serve them ads for DIY (“do-it-yourself”) retailers.
Personalized FAST Channel Experience
Historically, metadata associated with content streamed on a specific broadcast, or scheduled on a specific cable channel, included the program’s most basic information such as title, genre, and run time. There are many different types of metadata that can be used to personalize FAST channels. Some of the most important types of metadata to power content discovery include:
Content genre: the genre of the content such as action, comedy, drama, etc.
Content rating: the age rating of the content such as TV-Y7, TV-14, TV-MA, etc.
Keywords: words or phrases that describe the content
Cast and crew: names of the actors, actresses, directors, and other crew members
Release date: the date when the content was released by region
Content imagery: program imagery and visuals
Franchise data: name, genre, release date, ratings, etc.
Localized translations: human translation of names, aliases, and title overviews
Awards: award name, year, recipients, nominating body, etc.
Tap into Viewing Habits and Preferences
In today’s crowded and dynamic streaming environment, a basic level of metadata is becoming insufficient by itself to help audiences find content that they are personally interested in. Subsequently, enriched metadata is used to power content discovery, which is becoming critical as content distribution moves away from exclusive license arrangements.
The FAST marketplace is built on content that is often compiled from various sources to create a channel. For example, the owner of a small library of holiday-themed films may not have enough content to start a FAST channel; yet, the owner can license their library to a third party for use in a “holiday channel” composed of the licensee’s content as well as content from other sources.
Any platform that offers the same content as a competing platform requires sophisticated metadata in order to observe user viewing habits and preferences, and recommend content that users are likely to be interested in. For example, if a user watches an action movie, descriptive and real-time metadata can inform what other similar viewers watched, based on “lookalike” audiences, which can be used to optimally direct users’ next content choice.
Increase of Data-Driven Targeting
As the U.S. Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry moves toward internet protocol (IP) delivered content, the vast majority of TV advertising will be metadata-driven, personalized to each viewer, and effectively return the industry to segmenting audiences in order to drive targeted ad performance. All streaming platforms are competing to show the right content and advertising to the right user through content discovery, curation, and utilization of enriched metadata.
The variable performance of ad targeting is a function of the quality of metadata used to inform the placements. For example, if a user frequently watches cooking shows, the FAST platform can serve them ads for cooking products. Likewise, if a user frequently watches sports shows, the platform can serve them ads for sports equipment.
Additional Tips
By using metadata effectively, FAST platforms can attract and retain viewers, and offer a more engaging viewing experience. Below are additional tips on how to effectively use metadata:
Use high-quality metadata: Metadata is only as good as the data that it is based on. Make sure to use high-quality metadata that is accurate and up-to-date.
Use a variety of metadata types: The more metadata used in user discovery processes, the more accurate program recommendations will be.
Use machine learning: Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze user data and identify patterns, which are used to make more accurate recommendations.
Acquire user feedback: Ask users for feedback on the program recommendations served to them in order to improve recommendations over time.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
Free ad-supported streaming television, or FAST, has seen meteoric growth since we first fielded questions about the free streaming business in Whip Media’s U.S. Streaming Survey.
Jerry Inman
Four years ago, FAST was beginning to garner interest as a result of Viacom’s purchase of Pluto TV, but the burgeoning media format was still largely seen as niche and a value-add to broadband-only subscribers.
Whip Media’s fifth annual SVOD study, based on the responses of 2,000 U.S. TV Time users, provides new visibility into overall consumer satisfaction with FAST channels among today’s leading platforms.
There are many factors behind the rise of FAST channels, including diverse and premium content selection, the ability to target advertising and personalization, and FAST’s global accessibility and localization characteristics.
Our survey results show that the public’s awareness of FAST/AVOD services has increased among the leading platforms, including Tubi, the Roku Channel, Pluto and Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), which collectively saw a 43% average increase among consumer awareness since 2021.
Nearly half of the respondents watched FAST channels at least a “few times” per month. Moreover, 78% of FAST viewers said they are watching the same amount, or more FAST content, this year compared to last year.
FAST contributes over $4 billion to the U.S. media and entertainment (M&E) ecosystem of $660 billion, which represents a fraction of the total market. The second-largest contributor is linear, non-targeted TV advertising. As FAST comes of age, the medium is attracting advertisers along a changing cost structure, and at the expense of traditional networks. FAST brings TV advertising closer to the established paradigms in online advertising over the last 10 years, which is creating enormous new revenue potential, and new possibilities to generate value.
As the M&E industry moves toward IP delivered content, the vast majority of TV advertising will be metadata-driven and personalized to each viewer, effectively returning the industry to segmenting audiences to drive targeted ad performance. The new opportunity represents nearly 23% of all M&E revenue, or approximately $152 billion, and will require the use of data-driven solutions for accurate reporting, audit, and analysis.
Whip Media’s survey results show that FAST channel content is the main driver of engagement: viewers are more loyal to specific content than to FAST channels or platforms. 72% of survey respondents reported that they watch FAST “for a specific program,” followed by 23% that said they watch “for a specific themed channel.” It is critical for FAST operators to acquire and program the right content for any launching service or channel.
There are two types of content driving FAST viewership: movies and reruns. 71% of respondents said they watch movies, up from 54% last year, and 65% of respondents said they watched “reruns of older comedies and dramas” (i.e., library content), up from 45% last year. These figures make it clear why popular FAST platforms such as Pluto TV offer channels dedicated to TV hits of yesteryear, from “Baywatch” to “Degrassi” to “Star Trek”.
FAST/AVOD platforms are transforming the way content is delivered and consumed. For instance, the advent of FAST originals is upon us, and major media companies are increasingly encroaching on the FAST space to make their mark on original content and user experience. However, alongside this innovation comes the complexity of managing financial relationships with content creators on advertising-supported budgets, and reconciling revenue-sharing deals with platform partners.
Content distributors typically have performance and remittance data coming from multiple platform partners, but the data does not arrive in a standard, consistent or easily digestible form. As a result of a paucity of clean FAST performance data, decisionmakers lack visibility across FAST platforms, partner channels, and their own performance data. This often leads to a range of content delivery challenges such as hastened programming decisions, financial reporting errors and unknown revenue recognition among partners.
As the FAST supply chain matures, and investment in user engagement and ad-supported platform experience increases, larger platforms are switching focus to originals to define a new level of bespoke content that is highly personalized for audiences.
Major media companies encroaching on the FAST space often have deep pockets and large resources to produce high-quality content, and to acquire exclusive rights to popular shows. Our research suggests that small and medium creators can focus on providing niche content that is low-cost, high-efficiency, and higher quality compared to big budget programming. Catering to niche audiences that may have been overlooked in traditional broadcasting or premium streaming platforms may provide a foothold into new value areas.
Jerry Inman is the chief marketing officer of Whip Media, which helps the world’s leading entertainment companies connect content to consumers, and track content performance anywhere.
