Nearly Half of Streaming Subscriptions Supported by Ads

Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ were originally known for being ad-free, but that’s changing. A report from Antenna revealed that 43% of all streaming subscriptions now come with ads. This number has been steadily increasing, with a 15% jump in ad-supported subs since 2022.

Netflix and Disney+ have played a significant role in this growth. Netflix, in particular, has seen a surge in adoption of its ad-supported tier, with 70 million monthly active users as of November 2024 – more than a 100% increase from the beginning of the year. Even Disney+ is making gains in ad-supported subscriptions, as Bob Iger accidentally revealed that 60% of new subs are opting for ad-supported options.

Additionally, free, ad-supported TV (FAST) services from companies like Roku and Tubi are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordable prices. Especially during tough economic times, consumers are looking to save money on streaming, making ad-supported subscriptions a more appealing choice.

While there are still some improvements needed in ad-supported streaming, the demand is clear. With industry leaders taking notice, it’s likely that we’ll see further development and expansion in the ad-supported streaming space. So, if you’re looking to save a few dollars each month, watching a few ads might just be the way to go.