Blog
January 7, 2025
From how we subscribe to where we get our news, the year ahead promises to be as dynamic as ever. Let’s dive into what’s on the horizon as we prepare to stream into 2025.
Read on for our key trends and predictions...
Long-term Subscriptions Could Tackle Viewer Churn
Subscriber churn is the bane of every streaming platform’s existence. But, OTT platforms will be trialling new strategies to counteract this in 2025. We have already seen that platforms are expected to follow Disney+’s blueprint by leading with long-term subscription discounts. Back in 2019, Disney+ offered a two-year plan, which included one additonal free year to its members, a move that helped them surpass their subscriber goals well ahead of schedule. This strategy not only builds customer loyalty but also gives platforms room to grow without constant firefighting churn.
Meanwhile, a new report from S&P Global has found that subscriber churn has been far worse for traditional TV subscribers in the US, with double-digit losses across cable operators in Q3 2024 highlighting the growing consumer shift toward streaming services. In contrast, streaming platforms continue to thrive, with Netflix leading the way at 76.1 million U.S. subscribers, followed by Hulu (52 million), Disney+ (50.2 million), Paramount+ (37.2 million), and Peacock Premium (36.4 million). Peacock and Max, in particular, saw impressive annual growth rates of 28.2% and 23.2%, respectively. This underscores the critical importance of digital transformation in 2025, as platforms embrace innovative strategies to capture market share and navigate the evolving media landscape.
💡 Why We Care?
The shift toward long-term subscriptions isn’t just a win for platforms, it’s a significant signal of how the OTT industry is evolving to meet consumer needs. By prioritising loyalty and offering flexible options, platforms can focus on building richer content libraries, innovative user experiences, and driving sustained growth. For viewers, it means less hassle and more value, as subscription fatigue becomes a thing of the past. At Simplestream, we’re watching these trends closely, helping our clients adapt with scalable, user-first solutions that keep them ahead of the curve.
News Goes Fully Digital
The way audiences consume news is evolving at lightning speed. Traditional TV news is taking a backseat as younger generations turn to platforms like YouTube and TikTok for their daily updates. These platforms thrive on bite-sized, shareable content, perfectly tailored to shrinking attention spans. News organisations are catching on, shifting focus from lengthy broadcasts to concise, engaging updates designed to go viral. Election night coverage on TikTok? It’s closer than you think.
The shift isn’t just about convenience, it’s about reach. YouTube now commands over 1 billion hours of daily viewing on TV screens alone, demonstrating its dominance as a news and entertainment hub. Recognising this shift, ITV has partnered with YouTube to expand its digital presence, offering hundreds of hours of content, including popular shows like I’m A Celebrity and The Masked Singer, and creating dedicated channels for ITV News and ITV Sport. The partnership also allows ITV to sell advertising across its YouTube content, expanding its reach to younger, more digitally engaged audiences. This strategy reflects the growing trend of news organizations pivoting toward short-form, easily consumable content on digital platforms to keep up with the changing media landscape, ensuring they remain relevant in an increasingly online world.
💡Why We Care?
The digital transformation of news consumption signals a major shift in how brands and marketers engage with audiences. Younger, Gen Z viewers who are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, represent a growing, highly engaged demographic. For media companies, adapting to this shift means not only maintaining relevance but also tapping into new revenue streams through digital advertising and partnerships. For marketers, understanding this shift opens fresh opportunities to reach consumers with more targeted, dynamic content. As digital platforms continue to dominate, staying ahead of the curve on news delivery methods will be key to connecting with tomorrow's audience today.
TikTok Live: The New Age of Teleshopping
Move over late-night infomercials, TikTok Live is redefining teleshopping for the digital age. Don’t just take our word for it, the stats speak for themselves. Millions of consumers are already flocking to TikTok Live, turning it into a powerhouse for real-time shopping experiences. With influencers hosting real-time product demos and offering exclusive deals, the platform has turned casual scrolling into a dynamic shopping experience. Unlike traditional teleshopping, TikTok Live blends entertainment with instant purchasing power, creating a sense of urgency and engagement that’s hard to resist. Brands are taking notice, leveraging the platform’s reach to tap into younger, tech-savvy consumers who prefer authentic recommendations over scripted sales pitches. Whether it’s skincare routines, gadget reviews, or flash sales, TikTok Live is transforming the way we discover and shop for products in real time.
💡 Why We Care?
TikTok Live’s rise signals a major shift in how we engage with both content and commerce. For brands, this is an opportunity to tap into a highly engaged audience of younger, trend-savvy consumers who value authenticity and immediacy. The interactive nature of TikTok Live creates an entirely new level of connection between brands and consumers, offering real-time insights and instant purchasing opportunities. For businesses looking to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape, embracing this new wave of teleshopping could unlock valuable opportunities to drive sales, boost brand visibility, and foster stronger customer relationships, all while capitalising on the power of live, social commerce.
The Rise of Skinny Streaming Bundles
As subscription fatigue grows, internet providers are stepping in with compelling bundles. Services like Disney+, Netflix, and MAX, packaged together by companies like Comcast or Charter, promise better pricing and seamless content aggregation. This shift is already reshaping consumer behaviour, signalling the decline of standalone subscriptions in favor of all-in-one solutions.
A prime example is Vodafone Idea’s OTT subscription bundles, launched in June 2024, which offers tailored pricing for postpaid and prepaid users. These bundles integrate live sports streaming from platforms like Disney+ Hotstar and Sony LIV with traditional telecom perks, such as data and call benefits. By targeting sports fans and enhancing convenience, Vodafone Idea is driving user loyalty and increasing the perceived value of its services. This strategy not only attracts diverse audiences but also leverages the natural connection between mobile data usage and content consumption, fuelling growth in the OTT sector and redefining subscriber engagement.
💡 Why We Care?
The rise of skinny streaming bundles is making it easier and more cost-effective for consumers to access multiple services in one package. For OTT platforms and internet providers, this trend presents a powerful opportunity to reach broader audiences while fostering customer loyalty through integrated offerings. As more companies embrace this model, businesses can tap into a more diverse user base, especially by blending traditional telecom benefits with digital content. This shift not only enhances customer experience but also opens new revenue streams which is always welcomed for businesses operating in the highly competitive OTT landscape.
Women’s Sports Get the FAST Channel Spotlight
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) continues to grow, and women’s sports are set to benefit big time. In 2025, we could see a major FAST channel pick up the rights to women’s sports leagues like the WNBA. This would make it easier for fans to watch and open up new opportunities for advertisers. According to eMarketer, women’s sports will be a huge opportunity for marketers by 2025, with ad revenue expected to rise as more people engage with the content. Marketing opportunities aside, 2025 could be a big year for women’s sports.
In fact, this trend is already taking shape with high-profile examples like Netflix’s documentary series on Simone Biles, which is a testament to the growing interest in women in sports. Moreover, Netflix have doubled down by snapping us the USA broadcasting rights to the 2027 and 2031 Womens’ World Cup, a move which could redefine how women’s sports are consumed globally. As streaming platforms increasingly invest in exclusive sports content, the visibility and accessibility of women’s sports are set to skyrocket.
💡 Why We Care?
The rise of FAST channels and streaming platforms investing heavily in women’s sports presents a game-changing opportunity for both broadcasters and advertisers. As more consumers shift toward free, ad-supported content, women’s sports are positioned to capture a larger share of the viewership and marketing dollars. This not only enhances the visibility of female athletes but also fosters a more inclusive sports ecosystem. For advertisers, it’s a chance to connect with an engaged, diverse audience in an emerging, high-growth sector. As consumer interest grows and more women’s sports content becomes accessible, brands can capitalise on this moment to align with the future of sports media and audience engagement.
The Return of Content Exclusivity
But as FAST channels become ubiquitous, content exclusivity has been dubbed a key audience driver. Legacy media firms are expected to retain the rights to the most valuable content, reserving it for their own platforms to drive viewership. While lesser-known titles will still be licensed out, exclusivity is once again becoming a vital competitive strategy.
💡 Why We Care?
Content exclusivity is reshaping the streaming landscape, offering platforms a way to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market. For viewers, it means a return to curated, high-value programming tied to specific services, driving brand loyalty and subscription growth. For media companies, it creates opportunities to strengthen their direct-to-consumer strategies, maximize ad revenue, and control the audience experience. As competition heats up, the race for exclusive content will continue to define winners and losers in the battle for viewer attention.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
The common thread across these predictions is the increasing need for platforms to innovate and adapt. Whether through creative subscription models, content strategies, or partnerships, streaming services must stay nimble in this ever-evolving landscape.
At Simplestream, we’re not just keeping an eye on these trends; we’re actively helping our partners stay ahead of the curve. From crafting robust FAST channel solutions to implementing subscription models designed to boost retention, we’re at the forefront of innovation.
Want to know how your platform can thrive in 2025 and beyond? Get in touch, we’d love to help you shape the future of streaming.
