The revolution of free ad-supported TV streaming services has drastically changed the viewing landscape throughout the United States, as new reports show that one in three U.S. viewers now tune in to this type of programming. This is an enormous shift in the television industry, allowing viewers to choose from a variety of streaming services that provide popular TV shows, movies, and more—all for free.
Ad-supported TV streaming services have been around for years, but viewership has spiked particularly in the last couple of months. This newfound popularity is likely due to the coronavirus pandemic, prompting people to limit spending on entertainment and stay inside more often. With streaming TV services, viewers can indulge in a host of content without spending a dime.
The surge in popularity of streaming services is a major win for advertisers, too. By appearing in shows and movie streams, brands are able to effectively tap into a large and attentive audience. This can even extend beyond regular viewers, as four out of five people reportedly share streaming services with their family and roommates—adding an even wider reach to the streaming platform and its advertisements.
One of the main reasons streaming services are so successful is their user-friendly design and accessible content. Everything from popular television shows to recently released movies is available, and with an increasingly diverse range of content, people are finding something to watch no matter their tastes. Movies and shows can be accessed through streaming TV apps and websites on all major streaming devices, providing a convenient viewing experience right from the comfort of home.
As free ad-supported streaming services continue to boom, viewers, advertisers, and streaming platforms all stand to benefit. Streaming services offer a great opportunity for advertisers to reach a wide range of audiences, while viewers can enjoy an array of content at no cost. With one in three U.S. viewers now tuned in to streaming platforms, it’s clear that this type of TV streaming is here to stay.