This week we discuss new research from Omdia, Hub and Antenna, all of which underscores the growing importance of advertising for streaming, across FASTs and premium SVOD. 

Omdia forecasts global CTV ad revenue will increase to $81 billion in 2030, up from $44 billion in 2025, with Google, Amazon and Netflix accounting for nearly half the total. Hub said 55% of TV viewers have used at least one FAST service, with free viewing being the biggest draw. And Antenna found, among other things, 110 million ad-supported premium SVOD subscriptions at the end of Q1 ’26, up from 53 million two years ago.  
    
Listen to the podcast to learn more (25 minutes, 40 seconds)

Browse all previous podcasts 

Subscribe to Inside the Stream
Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Amazon Music  RSS

Disney reported quarterly earnings this week. While it no longer shares specific Disney+ subscriber numbers, new CEO Josh D’Amaro spelled out how Disney+ will expand from a traditional streaming service to become a central place in the relationship Disney fans have with the company. The role of Disney+ will span businesses including parks and experiences, and will also incorporate interactivity. 

In today’s episode we discuss this approach why we think it’s uniquely beneficial for Disney to pursue. 
    
Listen to the podcast to learn more (23 minutes, 26 seconds)

Browse all previous podcasts 

Subscribe to Inside the Stream
Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Amazon Music  RSS

YouTube’s Q1 ad revenue approached $10 billion, up 11% vs. last year and around 25% vs. two years ago. YouTube said that both direct response and brand advertising were strong. However, subscriptions were the fastest growing part of the business, with YouTube Premium and Music performing best, recording their largest increase in non-trial subscribers. 

Meanwhile Antenna estimates that Roku’s Howdy has hit 1 million subscribers less than one year following its launch. At $2.99 per month Howdy is a relatively low cost SVOD service that appears to have high stickiness. The gains speak to Roku's promotional clout. Roku also reported a strong Q1 for ad revenue. 
    
Listen to the podcast to learn more (25 minutes, 39 seconds)

Browse all previous podcasts 

Subscribe to Inside the Stream
Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Amazon Music  RSS

Netflix reported more steady growth in Q1 ’26 as it transitions to maturity. But from advertising to gaming, and live sports to video podcasts, Netflix is innovating and staying opportunistic. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more (26 minutes, 24 seconds)

Browse all previous podcasts 

Subscribe to Inside the Stream
Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Amazon Music  RSS