The Future of Ad-Supported Streaming: Improving User Experience

Ad-supported streaming has become the norm, but let’s not ignore the elephant in the room – the ads are pretty terrible. We all signed up for streaming services with the dream of endless TV shows and movies without a single commercial break. But as we all know, nothing good comes for free. Subscription services have gradually introduced ads, much to the dismay of their subscribers.

Recent reports suggest that the number of ad-supported streaming subscribers is on the rise. Services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max are all jumping on the ad bandwagon. The research firm Antenna predicts that ad-supported subscriptions will reach 100 million this year and double by 2027. Even free ad-supported platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV are seeing massive growth.

Sure, you can opt for a commercial-free experience for a higher fee, like upgrading to business class on a flight. But with the rising costs of multiple streaming subscriptions, it might not be long before the commercial-free option becomes a luxury reserved for the elite.

So, instead of fuming over how a few savvy techies are making a fortune by dismantling the ad-free paradise we were promised, let’s focus on the reality of ad-supported streaming. And the reality is, it’s pretty rough. Not only are the ads often low-quality, but they’re also repeated endlessly during a single viewing session. If you’re binge-watching a show, be prepared to see the same ad for that shiny new truck more times than you can count.

It’s less like advertising and more like subliminal messaging at that point. But hey, if you were planning on buying a truck, we can guarantee it won’t be the one that’s been burned into your memory like a dystopian sci-fi movie.