The data shows unequivocally that millennials are the ones who are driving streaming trends as 90% of those in the 18-24 demographic bracket reported watching video on their mobile devices. However, the overall trend is also positive with 60% of all people surveyed saying they use mobile devices to stream TV shows. What’s most astonishing about this figure is that it is a 76% increase from just one year ago. This is a clear sign that video streaming is on the rise. More and more people are disconnecting from their cable providers and turning to their mobile devices and computers instead.
However, most in the online sphere recognize that conversions are lower for mobile. This is reflected in the fact that the average desktop streaming session is about 107 minutes, and only 28 minutes on mobile devices. The answer to this issue lies with the survey respondents who reported they would even stream more on mobile given certain circumstances, like a bigger screen, lower data costs, faster loading times or more WIFI availability. If we can work on these issues, we may see an increase in mobile conversions in 2017 and beyond.
Beyond streaming, live video streaming also promises to take off in 2017. Facebook and Instagram have become popular destinations for everyday people and celebrities alike to live stream videos of what they are doing at the moment no matter how mundane or exciting, a trend which promises to grow as these services work on their live streaming capabilities. In addition, traditional media companies like TV networks have been working to improve their own live streaming technology to be able to get access to who has been watching live streaming events, which will be invaluable data for broadcasters so that they can create content fit to their viewers’ desires.
Overall, content streaming and live streaming are looking like strong trends for 2017 and the future beyond this year. In fact, many industry experts agree that by 2020, just three years from now, 82% of Internet traffic will be from streaming video.
SLS’s offers consultation services include developing strategy, competitor analysis and operative counseling – amongst others in video streaming, that remains one of our core competencies. The following updates from two of the largest players on this field shows an interesting battle to come.
