Global streaming is shifting from rapid subscriber growth to a focus on retention, monetization, and diversified content delivery. With mature markets slowing and engagement slipping, SVOD platforms are expanding into lower-ARPU regions, testing ad-supported tiers, and forging partnerships like Netflix’s landmark TF1 deal, which blends traditional TV, live sports, and on-demand programming.
Roku’s entry into subscription streaming with Howdy is a striking counterpunch in an industry defined by rising prices and dwindling consumer patience. But at $2.99 per month, the economics of ad-free streaming are opaque, and only by pulling back the curtain on SVOD licensing deals can industry players gauge whether such a model is sustainable long term.
In an era of consolidation, contraction, and confusion in Hollywood, Lionsgate and Starz are finally standing on their own two feet. After nearly a decade under the same roof, the two companies have completed a long-delayed split, each charting separate paths in an unforgiving media economy where scale is elusive, profitability is evasive, and the search for suitors is relentless.
While most independent distributors faltered after the lockdowns started a cycle of theatrical collapse, Neon doubled down on theatrical releases, carefully timed VOD windows, and an expanding slate of in-house productions. But behind the critical acclaim lies a high-stakes business model facing mounting financial pressure.
Studios are no longer tied to a single strategy for releasing films. Instead, each major player is now juggling theatrical, transactional, and streaming windows with increasing precision. Below is an examination of how studios like Universal, Sony, and Paramount are embracing staggered, platform-specific Pay-One strategies.
The 2025 Cannes Market delivered more questions than answers, as industry players navigated, stalled US deals, shrinking Pay-1 licensing windows, and a growing rift between premium and mid-budget titles. High production and distribution costs are driving greater selectivity among studios and streamers, leaving many films without buyers in the North American market.
Despite record attendance and renewed energy on the Croisette, the Cannes 2025 Film Market is operating under the familiar strains of soaring acquisition costs, and a struggle to reconcile rising budgets with narrowing margins. For buyers and sellers alike, the market is less about glitz and more about financial clarity, pricing discipline, and navigating global distribution headwinds.
The slowdown in packaging during the first half of the year, has led to a stronger-than-usual Cannes lineup. The market is flush with well-developed packages and finished films with genuine theatrical potential. With more robust slates from top sales agencies and buyers reportedly ready to move on high-promise titles, Cannes 2025 could outperform recent years.
The dominance of social video platforms and the plateau of streaming growth signal a new phase in entertainment. Content alone is no longer a moat, as production becomes riskier and audiences more complicated to retain—especially as many content creators and executives prioritize agenda-driven programming over compelling storytelling.
As streaming platforms continue to dominate the conversation, traditional broadcast networks are proving their staying power by strategically aligning with digital platforms. New data confirms that network television still commands a substantial audience, with streaming partnerships extending its reach and influence.
The U.S. streaming market is saturated, with 96% of households subscribed to services, prompting a shift from acquisition to retention strategies. Ad-supported models are gaining traction as affordability overshadows uninterrupted viewing. Live sports and telecom partnerships are key growth areas, while brand ecosystems are vital for subscriber retention in this maturing landscape.
Standalone SVOD services are experiencing a shift as consumers grapple with rising costs and subscription stacking. Many are turning to video aggregators, which simplify access but risk escalating prices. The market may soon consist of fewer standalone players alongside aggregators, highlighting the necessity for service bundling to reduce churn and enhance consumer convenience.
In 2024, the media industry faced significant challenges, with domestic box office revenues falling sharply due to delays and a lack of original content. Contrarily, free ad-supported streaming platforms like Roku gained traction, indicating a shift towards cost-effective viewing. The industry grapples with evolving strategies amid ongoing mergers and the rise of library content.
Europe’s streaming market is on the verge of transformation, propelled by the rise of ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms. Consumers increasingly favor lower-cost subscription plans featuring ads, benefiting major players like Netflix and local entities such as TF1+. However, platforms face challenges with ad relevance, viewer retention, and stringent EU regulations.
Content and pricing strategies are shifting as platforms focus on retaining subscribers with live sports and bundled services. Sports rights, such as those for the Champions League and NFL, have driven substantial growth for Paramount+ and Peacock—Prime Video benefits from integrating most major streaming services into one platform.
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