In today’s dynamic digital ecosystem, the premium video streaming landscape is evolving faster than ever. With Connected TV (CTV) dominance, live sports engagement, and audience targeting reshaping the industry, businesses must adapt to stay ahead. This global report uncovers key trends and insights from the first half of 2024, offering advertisers and marketers a clear roadmap to success in the streaming world.
Ad Views on the Rise Across Regions
Global ad views for premium streaming content continue to grow significantly. Streaming has officially outpaced both cable and broadcast television in several markets:
In the U.S., streaming accounted for 40.3% of viewing time by June 2024, reflecting a clear shift in audience preference.
In Europe, platforms like TF1+ in France and Channel 4 in the UK are driving viewership growth, with ad views up +29% year-over-year (YOY).
This rise is fueled by increasing adoption of streaming platforms, improved targeting strategies, and growing opportunities around premium live content.
Programmatic Advertising Growth: An Industry Standard
Programmatic advertising continues to expand globally, demonstrating its efficiency and relevance:
U.S. programmatic ad views grew by +15% year over year, driven largely by the dominance of CTV and Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms.
Europe saw an impressive +41% YOY growth, showcasing increasing adoption of automated ad buying among premium publishers.
Deal Types Differ Globally:
U.S.: Non-guaranteed programmatic deals dominate, accounting for 78% of programmatic ad views.
Europe: Programmatic Guaranteed (PG) deals lead with 58%, favored for their predictability, compliance, and control.
For marketers, programmatic strategies remain essential, offering precision, scalability, and real-time optimization to reach targeted audiences.
CTV: The Power of the Big Screen
Connected TV (CTV) remains the undisputed leader for ad-supported content consumption.
In the U.S., CTV accounts for 83% of total ad views, highlighting its dominance across households.
In Europe, CTV usage grew by +31% year over year, now representing 46% of ad views. Large screens, combined with set-top boxes, account for 67% of total ad consumption.
For advertisers, the CTV experience is unmatched. Viewers prefer the large screen for premium content, and studies show that limited ad interruptions deliver higher-quality engagement and brand sentiment.
Live Streaming: A Growing Global Opportunity
Live sports and major tentpole events are driving ad viewership, particularly in the U.S.:
In January 2024, the NFL AFC Wild Card Game streamed on Peacock, attracting 23 million live viewers, a historic record for digital streaming events.
In Europe, events like UEFA Euro 2024, Roland Garros, and the Tour de France are boosting live streaming engagement, with live content expected to continue its upward trajectory.
Live streaming offers a unique opportunity for advertisers to capture large, engaged audiences in real time, bridging traditional live TV experiences with the digital streaming ecosystem.
What Audiences Are Watching: Live vs. On-Demand
The split between live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) continues to shape audience behavior globally:
In the U.S., live streaming accounts for 54% of ad views, largely driven by sports and live events.
In Europe, 78% of ad views occur on VOD content, with long-form content (6+ minutes) dominating viewing time.
While VOD remains strong, live content is growing rapidly, offering advertisers opportunities to engage audiences during key moments.
OTT Platforms Lead in the U.S., Operator Authentication in Europe
Ad distribution platforms vary by region:
U.S.: Over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including FAST channels and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) services, dominate with 71% of ad views.
Europe: Operator authentication platforms (e.g., TV Everywhere) account for 84% of ad views, reflecting consumer preference for broadcaster-backed streaming apps.
For marketers, understanding regional platform dominance is crucial to maximizing campaign reach and efficiency.
Audience Targeting: Precision and Personalization
Audience targeting capabilities are transforming premium video advertising:
In the U.S., ad views utilizing audience targeting grew +39% YOY, with behavioral targeting leading at 57%.
In Europe, targeted ad views grew +23% YOY, with demographic targeting accounting for 69%.
As third-party cookie deprecation looms and data regulations evolve, publishers are increasingly leveraging first-party data strategies to optimize audience reach while maintaining a high-quality viewer experience.
Key Takeaways for Advertisers in 2024
The global video streaming landscape is thriving, and key trends underscore its growth potential:
CTV Dominance: The large screen remains the preferred device for premium, ad-supported content.
Programmatic Expansion: Automation and precision targeting are driving programmatic ad view growth globally.
Live Streaming Momentum: Sports and live events are becoming central to streaming strategies.
Audience Targeting: Leveraging first-party data is essential for delivering personalized, effective ad campaigns.
Regional Platform Preferences: OTT platforms dominate the U.S., while operator-backed platforms lead in Europe.
Targetoo: Your Partner in Video Advertising Success
At Targetoo, we help brands and agencies navigate the evolving streaming landscape by delivering data-driven, programmatic advertising solutions. Whether it’s CTV, live streaming, or targeted campaigns, we empower businesses to:
Reach the right audiences on premium platforms.
Optimize ad spend with precision and efficiency.
Drive engagement and ROI through seamless, personalized campaigns.
Looking Ahead
The year 2025 presents even greater opportunities for advertisers to capitalize on emerging trends in streaming and digital video. Major global events, such as international sports tournaments, anticipated blockbuster streaming content releases, and the continued rise of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST), will drive significant viewership.
Ready to elevate your video advertising campaigns? Partner with Targetoo to unlock the full potential of streaming, CTV, and programmatic advertising.
Contact us today to learn more!