The Streaming Wars' latest analysis highlights the growing contention between streaming services and platform gatekeepers over platform taxes that can take up to 30% of revenue. As these fees threaten profitability, streaming companies are increasingly pursuing direct sign-ups through their…

Amazon is expanding its Prime Video ads to five new international markets in 2025, including Brazil and India, while increasing ad volume in the U.S. The company hints at Prime Video’s potential profitability as a standalone service, thanks to ad-supported…

We evaluate how Crunchyroll’s partnership with Bango taps into indirect channels like telcos and banking apps to fuel global subscriber growth. This bundling strategy lowers acquisition costs and positions Crunchyroll for "Super Bundling," offering a profitable path forward in the…

Kirby riffs on Apple's new deal with Amazon to bring Apple TV+ to Prime Video Channels, viewing it as a concession that Apple has missed a larger opportunity in the streaming wars. While the partnership provides Apple with scale, it…

JW Player and Connatix have merged to form JWP Connatix, creating a comprehensive video technology and monetization platform. The new company will focus on CTV and serve broadcasters, publishers, and advertisers, offering advanced data insights, global reach, and hybrid monetization…

Plex has launched a Movie and Show Reviews feature, allowing users to review and share insights on content with their social networks. Kirby reflects on this move, comparing it to a past project for Myspace TV, and notes that Plex's…

Skip argues that the future of streaming isn’t dominated by direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, as projected by Omdia. He points out that reported DTC numbers are often misleading, with most subscriptions falling under wholesale or third-party billing. As bundling gains traction,…

The Streaming Madman critiques the artificial standards of "brand safety" and "premium content" in today's media and advertising landscape. He argues that corporate intermediaries and outdated content rating systems exert excessive control over what’s deemed suitable, likening it to mafia-like…

Sources tell The Streaming Wars that Starz is on the verge of soft launching its streaming bundle with BritBox, priced at $14.99 per month and set to go live on Thursday. This move allows Starz to bypass third-party platforms like…

Jack highlights strategies for media professionals to navigate the turbulent employment landscape amidst layoffs and industry shifts. By staying proactive, media professionals can secure opportunities and position themselves for success in this evolving market.