VideoNuze Posts

This week we discuss the new ESPN direct-to-consumer app, which was announced this week. Colin thinks that at $30 per month it’s too expensive relative to other streaming services, yet given the breadth of content and features, I think the price seems fair or maybe even low.

A big question is how wide the adoption will be as most hardcore sports fans still have a pay-TV subscription. That leaves cord-cutters and cord-nevers as the primary targets, as well those who will take ESPN as part of a discounted package with Disney+ and Hulu. How many of them will subscribe? We explore these questions, as well as the return of “HBO” to Max’s branding and a few NewFronts items.  

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Disney reported its fiscal second quarter results this week, showing continued direct-to-consumer profitability, as well as modest subscriber gains for both Disney+ and Hulu. Given last year’s second half performance, it’s likely Disney will achieve DTC profitability for the full 2025 fiscal year, a first.

On the earnings call, Disney also noted that next week the branding and pricing for “ESPN Flagship” (the full ESPN DTC product including additional digital features) will be revealed. We anticipate integrated bundling with the existing Disney+/Hulu bundle.

Update: CNBC is reporting the ESPN DTC product will simply be called “ESPN,” and that pay-TV subscribers will get access to the DTC product’s bells and whistles add-on features. Pricing is expected to be $25-30 per month. (Sidenote: As part of the Disney+/Hulu bundle the effective price could be even lower.)

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TiVo released its Q4 Video Trends Report for North America (available here), and on this week’s Inside the Stream we discuss several key takeaways. In particular, viewers are simplifying their video services bundles, with the number dropping again to just under 10. Meanwhile viewers’ average monthly spend dropped to approximately $157, down from $189 just 2 years ago. We also discuss findings related to sports fragmentation and loyalty to incumbent smart TV OS.

Separate, we also highlight data from IAB’s 2025 Digital Video Ad Spend and Strategy Report, available here.

Listen to the podcast to learn more (29 minutes, 43 seconds)

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We’re pleased to interview Vevo’s EVP, Global Sales Rob Christensen this week on Inside the Stream. Rob dives into the details of Vevo Evolve, the company’s new data-driven ad platform. Rob describes its advanced targeting, optimization and measurement capabilities. He also shares how Vevo’s music videos are succeeding across mobile, desktop and connected TV platforms. Looking ahead, Rob also explains how AI will play a big role in Vevo’s future.

Listen to the podcast to learn more (30 minutes, 41 seconds)

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This week we focus on the role of TV operating systems in influencing viewers’ programming choices. Recently Hub Entertainment Research provided insights on OS market share of various streaming media players (Roku’s OS led with a 59% share). Colin shares his experiences searching for TV shows across the big 6 operating systems and how widely the results vary by OS, in turn guiding viewers’ choices. The problem is exacerbated further when searching for over-the-air choices.

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Colin was at NAB Show this past week and on today’s podcast we discuss some of the things that caught his attention. One is how Eluvio is enabling global distribution of live content using its new release. An early user example is European Pro Club Rugby. Next we discuss several AI innovations Colin saw in action. Last up are audio innovations from Xperi DTS without a soundbar.

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We’re happy to have Jonathan Carson, CEO and co-founder of Antenna, join us to discuss the firm’s Q1 ’25 State of Subscriptions report, which provides insights on premium SVOD in 2024.

Among the topics we discuss are growth of SVOD services last year, which ones gained the most subscribers, churn stabilization, the role of “re-subscribers” (people who rejoin a service within 6-12 months of dropping), how Amazon and other third-parties are driving subscriptions, the success of the Disney-Max bundle and more.

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Deloitte released its 2025 Digital Media Trends report this week. On the podcast Colin and I discuss our key takeaways related to social’s role in how consumers discover TV programs, sensitivity to SVOD price increases and churn, plus budgets for streaming services.

Thanks to this week’s sponsor, Looper Insights. Their new report is available here.

Listen to the podcast to learn more (31 minutes, 5 seconds)

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