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Ad-Supported Streaming Fuels Global Growth, Signalling NZ Media Shift
Global streaming subscription revenue has surged, driven significantly by the introduction of ad-supported tiers and price adjustments. This trend indicates a maturing market where advertisers gain new avenues to reach engaged audiences, transforming media investment strategies.
What Happened
- •Global streaming subscription revenue reached US$157.1 billion in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
- •Overall, the sector's revenue has tripled over the last five years.
- •Ampere Analysis identifies ad-supported subscription tiers as a primary driver for this sustained growth.
- •Price increases for subscriptions also contributed to the sector's expanding revenue base.
- •The data originates from a study by London-based data and analytics firm Ampere Analysis, published on 30 March 2026.
Why It Matters for NZ Marketers
- •Increased ad inventory on major streaming platforms offers NZ marketers new, targeted opportunities to reach local audiences beyond traditional broadcast.
- •The growth of ad-supported models could fragment NZ media consumption further, necessitating diversified media plans.
- •NZ consumers, sensitive to cost, are likely to embrace ad-supported options, expanding addressable audiences for brands.
- •This trend will intensify competition for media spend between traditional TV, digital video, and now, streaming services.
- •Local content creators and advertisers may find new avenues for partnership and sponsorship within these evolving platforms.
Strategic Implications
- •Evaluate budget allocation to include emerging ad-supported streaming platforms, shifting from linear TV and other digital video.
- •Develop creative assets optimised for short-form, high-impact ad placements within streaming environments.
- •Leverage data and targeting capabilities offered by streaming platforms to reach niche NZ demographics effectively.
- •Consider bundling strategies or exclusive content sponsorships to enhance brand visibility within popular streaming services.
- •Monitor audience migration patterns between ad-free and ad-supported tiers to refine targeting and messaging.
Future Trend Signals
- •Further proliferation of ad-supported tiers across all major and niche streaming services globally and in NZ.
- •Increased demand for sophisticated measurement and attribution models for streaming video advertising.
- •Consolidation or strategic partnerships between streaming platforms and ad tech providers.
- •The potential for dynamic ad insertion and personalised advertising to become standard across streaming.
Sources
Editorial note: This analysis is original, AI-assisted editorial content. All source material is attributed with links. No full articles are reproduced. Short excerpts are used under fair dealing principles.
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