Parks Associates’ Q2 2025 Streaming Video Tracker webinar, led by Vice President of Research Jennifer Kent, delivered fresh updates to our industry database, a review of major market developments, and a preview of upcoming research that will shape our outlook for the year ahead.

The session also set the stage for Future of Video 2025, our eighth annual executive conference taking place this November in Marina del Rey, California. The event brings together leaders from across the entertainment ecosystem to address the most pressing challenges in video services, distribution strategies, and monetization models. The call for papers is now open, and early registrants can use promo code FOV-50C for discounted admission.
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Streaming Video Tracker Updates
Our Q2 tracker refresh reflects both new market entrants and the continued consolidation of services.

New profiles added:

  • OUTtv – LGBTQ+ focused SVOD and FAST network with reach across the U.S., Canada, and additional global markets.
  • Racer Plus – Rebranded from MAVTV following Racer Media’s acquisition, continuing its motorsports focus.
  • Kadoodle TV – AVOD/SVOD/FAST children’s service with 300,000 paid subscribers and over 4 million monthly ad-based viewers in the U.S.
  • A&E Crime Central – True crime–focused SVOD under the A&E Global Media umbrella.
  • Filmrise – Leading provider of ad-supported independent content, now part of Radial Entertainment following Oak Tree Capital’s acquisition.

Profiles retired:
MAVTV, AHL TV, and BluTV have been integrated into other platforms, while Chicken Soup for the Soul has finally shut down operations.
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Key Market Trends

1. Consolidation and Bundling Strategies
Bundling continues to be a primary competitive strategy:

  • Charter is leveraging streaming bundles to offset declines in pay-TV and broadband subscribers.
  • Verizon has shifted from its “+play” subscription management model to traditional bundle arrangements.
  • Disney has expanded internationally with bundles in Canada (Disney+ with Crave and TSN) and Mexico (Disney+ with ViX).
  • Roku entered the live TV category through its acquisition of Frndly TV, a budget-friendly vMVPD.

2. Ad-Supported Growth
Economic pressures are driving adoption of ad-supported tiers:

  • 61% of households that canceled a paid service in the past year cited cost concerns.
  • 40% of new subscribers to Netflix and 60% of new subscribers to Paramount+ choose the ad-supported tier.
  • Platforms are responding with ad-tech innovations to improve targeting, optimize placement, and reduce viewer fatigue.

3. CTV Advertising and Commerce
Recent moves by Roku, Amazon, The Trade Desk, and Walmart/Vizio are advancing connected TV toward direct, trackable purchase opportunities, closing a long-standing gap between big-screen viewing and commerce.
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Industry Benchmarks

The Streaming Video Tracker now includes:
•    334 U.S. and 227 Canadian unique service profiles
•    600+ million U.S. paid streaming subscriptions (~5 per broadband household)
•    423 million ad-supported monthly viewers in the U.S.

Churn and NPS data are based on annualized consumer surveys, allowing for standardized cross-industry comparisons.
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Research Pipeline

Q3 2025 Deep Dive – Streaming and Broadband
Fielding in September, this study will explore competitive positioning, pricing models, retention strategies, and movement between ad-supported and premium tiers. Clients can review the outline and provide feedback.

2026 Research Roadmap
Planned studies include:

  • Short-form and social content creation trends
  • Consumer experiences with ad-supported services
  • The evolving role and value of live content

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Spotlight Studies

Sports Streaming – White Paper with InterDigital
Examines viewer segments, adoption of streaming for live sports, and challenges such as fragmentation and quality issues. Highlights opportunities for technical innovations, including advanced video codecs.

Generative AI in Entertainment – Publishing August 2025
Key findings:

  • 51% of U.S. internet households have used a generative AI tool.
  • High consumer interest in AI that can detect fake or AI-generated content.
  • More consumers are less likely than more likely to watch AI-generated shows.
  • Owners of smart home and security devices show greater openness to AI-enabled features in products, while the impact of AI on consumer perception of entertainment content leans more negative.

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Looking Ahead

With consolidation reshaping the competitive landscape, bundling strategies evolving across markets, and ad-supported services gaining traction, the streaming video sector is entering a new phase of maturity. Parks Associates will continue to track these shifts in the Streaming Video Tracker and explore their long-term implications through our upcoming research.

Join us at Future of Video 2025 to engage directly with leaders driving these changes, share your perspectives, and gain the insights needed to navigate the next chapter in the connected entertainment market.