Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

In The News

You Can Save Over $350 a Year on Streaming Services If You Don’t Mind Commercials

Quite a lot, according to new data from Parks Associates.

The average streaming household, which subscribes to 5.6 platforms, according to the research firm, could save $366 a year on average by switching to ad-based tiers.

“The move to ad-based services provides more options for consumers, especially as they are seeking a balance between costs and the desire for multiple content options,” Jennifer Kent, Parks Associates vice president of research, said in a statement. “Not everyone’s favorite streaming service offers a cheaper ad-based service tier yet, and many subscribers will choose a mix of ad-based and premium options, depending on household preferences.”

Earlier this month, during the firm’s presentation of its State of the Market: Streaming Video Services report, Parks Associates said in the past month, 31% of U.S. households reported watching an ad-supported video on demand or a free ad-supported streaming service – a 13% increase from 2018. In addition, 41 million U.S. households are expected to watch ad-based over-the-top (OTT) video services like Tubi, Freevee, and Pluto TV. Last December, the firm said streaming subscriptions has declined 25% from $90 in 2021 to $73 in 2023, as viewers migrated to free, ad-supported services to save money.

Kent’s prediction that subscribers will choose a mix of ad-based and premium options further supports the firm’s previous notion that platform consolidation could be a potential solution for companies, viewers, and advertisers.

From the article, "You Can Save Over $350 a Year on Streaming Services If You Don’t Mind Commercials" by Shelby Brown

Previously In The News

AI PCs’ Unmet Promise Dragging Down Adoption

Meanwhile, the road ahead for AI PCs may still be rocky. “With ongoing component shortages expected to drive up the cost of PCs throughout 2026, I don’t see demand for AI PCs improving,” said Kristen...

Samsung Bespoke Fridge is a Pricey Way to Use Gemini AI for Food Tips

“A ‘smart’ fridge often carries a premium price tag, requires regular software updates, and may raise privacy concerns if it tracks your groceries or eating habits,” researcher Dogan Gursoy told the W...

Samsung Tizen tops smart TV OS usage in US, Parks Associates finds

Samsung’s Tizen is the most used smart TV operating system in the US, with 34% of smart TV owners saying it is the platform they use most often, according to new research from Parks Associates. Unv...

The Smart Money: 5 CES Smart Home Takeaways

The 20th annual CONNECTIONS Summit at CES, hosted by Parks Associates, featured panel discussions that examined the most impactful dynamics shaping the connected home, including AI advancements, the s...