Latest news with #RuaAguete
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brazil Emerges as FAST Streaming Powerhouse, Set to Soon Become Its Second Biggest International Market in the World (EXCLUSIVE)
FAST services are on a tear — especially in Latin America, where Brazil is emerging as a global leader in adoption and monetization. Already the second-largest market for Netflix subscribers outside the U.S. Brazil is on track to become the No. 2 international FAST market by 2029, the country playing a growing role in how the next era of connected TV unfolds. More from Variety Rio2C's Industry Pitching Captures a Brazil Intent on Remembering the Forgotten, Its Slaves, Extraordinary Artists and an Emblematic Guerrilla Fighter O2 Filmes to Produce a Biopic of Samba Star Elza Soares: 'If She Were American, She Would be Compared to Ella Fitzgerald'(EXCLUSIVE) Rio2C, Latin America's Largest Creativity Event, Reaches Record Attendance as Rio de Janeiro Aims to Build as Brazil's Film and TV Capital That is one of the key takeaways from a presentation to be delivered by María Rua Aguete, Omdia's senior research director of global analyst Omdia, made Tuesday as one of the opening sessions at Rio2C, Latin America's largest entertainment creativity meet. According to Omdia, the media and entertainment sector will generate $1.07 trillion globally in 2025, with online video commanding the lion's share — accounting for 70% of that total and growing at 13% year-on-year. While traditional pay-TV is in steady decline, FAST services are scaling rapidly, both in terms of user engagement and advertising revenue. Brazil Rises to FAST's Global Top Tier 'Brazil is now the third-largest market for FAST services outside the U.S. — and will climb to No. 2 ahead of Canada in revenues by 2029,' Rua Aguete told Variety ahead of her presentation. 'It's not just about adoption; it's about monetization. That's why we're here.' According to Omdia, Brazil's online video revenues will reach $14.4 billion by 2029, $3 billion of that increase from advertising. Brazilians are increasingly opting for free services over adding subscriptions, and platforms like Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus and Tubi are now regulars in the country's top 10 most-watched services on Smart TVs, sitting alongside Netflix, Prime Video and Globoplay. Advertising Trends: Underspending in Streaming Rua Aguete's keynote will likely strike a chord with brand and agency attendees, spotlighting what she called 'a massive imbalance' in the global advertising mix. Despite consumers spending more time on streaming platforms than ever before — 86 minutes per day on average — advertisers continue to disproportionately invest in social media and linear TV. In Brazil, the disconnect is even more stark. 'FAST and online video are clearly under-penetrated in media plans. That is the massive opportunity,' she said. Globally, Connected TV (CTV) advertising is the fastest-growing category in media, with an expected 80% growth over the next five years. In Brazil, CTV revenues are rising while YouTube's share is projected to decline from 56% in 2024 to 41% by 2029 as premium ad-supported platforms gain ground. Smart TVs Are the New Shopfronts Much of this shift is being driven by the rapid rise of Smart TVs. Among Brazilians who watch FAST, 45% do so on Smart TVs, while 20% turn to their smartphones. Of the Smart TVs used to stream these services, Samsung leads the market with a 51%share, trailed by LG at 20%. Rua Aguete noted that 83% of FAST content in Brazil is watched on Smart TVs, particularly via built-in apps. With $6.6 trillion in global e-commerce forecast by 2029, she highlighted the rising potential for shoppable TV — an area brands like Samsung and LG are investing in. 'If we can get shoppable TV, buying through the TV as easily as currently through smartphones, the revenue upside is enormous,' she said. Streaming Landscape: FAST Enters the Top 10 The FAST ecosystem is no longer niche. In Omdia's global consumer surveys, FAST services now routinely appear in the top 10 most-used streaming apps on Smart TVs including in Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., and across Europe. Yet the commercial beneficiaries vary significantly by region. 'In the Americas, CTV platforms like Samsung, Roku, and LG are winning,' Rua Aguete explained. 'But in Europe, it's public service broadcasters and video streamers like Pluto TV.' Netflix's Brazil Strategy? Local Hits with Global Reach Brazil also remains Netflix's second-largest subscriber market globally, Omdia estimates. In 2024, Netflix used Brazil to launch a wave of local originals that gained significant global traction, top performers included 'Desperate Lies,' 'Burning Betrayal', 'Senna,' and 'Bionic,' according to PlumResearch. These shows weren't produced with international audiences in mind, Rua Aguete said, but rather as authentic stories rooted in Brazilian culture; a factor that has ironically made them stand out and potentially more exportable. ''Senna' is the exception,' she said. 'It was designed from the start as a global franchise. But most Brazilian hits on Netflix succeed because they are locally grounded, not globally targeted.' What's Next? The FAST growth isn't set to slow. Weekly usage in Brazil has quadrupled in four years, and 30% of the population now watches FAST content weekly. While it still only accounts for 6% of premium video ad revenue in Brazil, that number is expected to rise steadily. The data on show clearly places Brazil as a region to track intently. Or as Rua Aguete put it: 'If you want to understand where the future of global streaming is headed, watch Brazil.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brazil Emerges as FAST Streaming Powerhouse, Set to Soon Become Its Second Biggest International Market in the World (EXCLUSIVE)
FAST services are on a tear — especially in Latin America, where Brazil is emerging as a global leader in adoption and monetization. Already the second-largest market for Netflix subscribers outside the U.S. Brazil is on track to become the No. 2 international FAST market by 2029, the country playing a growing role in how the next era of connected TV unfolds. More from Variety Rio2C's Industry Pitching Captures a Brazil Intent on Remembering the Forgotten, Its Slaves, Extraordinary Artists and an Emblematic Guerrilla Fighter O2 Filmes to Produce a Biopic of Samba Star Elza Soares: 'If She Were American, She Would be Compared to Ella Fitzgerald'(EXCLUSIVE) Rio2C, Latin America's Largest Creativity Event, Reaches Record Attendance as Rio de Janeiro Aims to Build as Brazil's Film and TV Capital That is one of the key takeaways from a presentation to be delivered by María Rua Aguete, Omdia's senior research director of global analyst Omdia, made Tuesday as one of the opening sessions at Rio2C, Latin America's largest entertainment creativity meet. According to Omdia, the media and entertainment sector will generate $1.07 trillion globally in 2025, with online video commanding the lion's share — accounting for 70% of that total and growing at 13% year-on-year. While traditional pay-TV is in steady decline, FAST services are scaling rapidly, both in terms of user engagement and advertising revenue. Brazil Rises to FAST's Global Top Tier 'Brazil is now the third-largest market for FAST services outside the U.S. — and will climb to No. 2 ahead of Canada in revenues by 2029,' Rua Aguete told Variety ahead of her presentation. 'It's not just about adoption; it's about monetization. That's why we're here.' According to Omdia, Brazil's online video revenues will reach $14.4 billion by 2029, $3 billion of that increase from advertising. Brazilians are increasingly opting for free services over adding subscriptions, and platforms like Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus and Tubi are now regulars in the country's top 10 most-watched services on Smart TVs, sitting alongside Netflix, Prime Video and Globoplay. Advertising Trends: Underspending in Streaming Rua Aguete's keynote will likely strike a chord with brand and agency attendees, spotlighting what she called 'a massive imbalance' in the global advertising mix. Despite consumers spending more time on streaming platforms than ever before — 86 minutes per day on average — advertisers continue to disproportionately invest in social media and linear TV. In Brazil, the disconnect is even more stark. 'FAST and online video are clearly under-penetrated in media plans. That is the massive opportunity,' she said. Globally, Connected TV (CTV) advertising is the fastest-growing category in media, with an expected 80% growth over the next five years. In Brazil, CTV revenues are rising while YouTube's share is projected to decline from 56% in 2024 to 41% by 2029 as premium ad-supported platforms gain ground. Smart TVs Are the New Shopfronts Much of this shift is being driven by the rapid rise of Smart TVs. Among Brazilians who watch FAST, 45% do so on Smart TVs, while 20% turn to their smartphones. Of the Smart TVs used to stream these services, Samsung leads the market with a 51%share, trailed by LG at 20%. Rua Aguete noted that 83% of FAST content in Brazil is watched on Smart TVs, particularly via built-in apps. With $6.6 trillion in global e-commerce forecast by 2029, she highlighted the rising potential for shoppable TV — an area brands like Samsung and LG are investing in. 'If we can get shoppable TV, buying through the TV as easily as currently through smartphones, the revenue upside is enormous,' she said. Streaming Landscape: FAST Enters the Top 10 The FAST ecosystem is no longer niche. In Omdia's global consumer surveys, FAST services now routinely appear in the top 10 most-used streaming apps on Smart TVs including in Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., and across Europe. Yet the commercial beneficiaries vary significantly by region. 'In the Americas, CTV platforms like Samsung, Roku, and LG are winning,' Rua Aguete explained. 'But in Europe, it's public service broadcasters and video streamers like Pluto TV.' Netflix's Brazil Strategy? Local Hits with Global Reach Brazil also remains Netflix's second-largest subscriber market globally, Omdia estimates. In 2024, Netflix used Brazil to launch a wave of local originals that gained significant global traction, top performers included 'Desperate Lies,' 'Burning Betrayal', 'Senna,' and 'Bionic,' according to PlumResearch. These shows weren't produced with international audiences in mind, Rua Aguete said, but rather as authentic stories rooted in Brazilian culture; a factor that has ironically made them stand out and potentially more exportable. ''Senna' is the exception,' she said. 'It was designed from the start as a global franchise. But most Brazilian hits on Netflix succeed because they are locally grounded, not globally targeted.' What's Next? The FAST growth isn't set to slow. Weekly usage in Brazil has quadrupled in four years, and 30% of the population now watches FAST content weekly. While it still only accounts for 6% of premium video ad revenue in Brazil, that number is expected to rise steadily. The data on show clearly places Brazil as a region to track intently. Or as Rua Aguete put it: 'If you want to understand where the future of global streaming is headed, watch Brazil.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Broadcast Pro
23-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
MENA streaming market set to hit $1.5bn by 2025: Omdia
The leading streaming service is local player Shahid on 4.4m subscribers, followed by YouTube Premium, Netflix and StarzPlay. The streaming video market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is on track to reach $1.5bn by the end of 2025, with subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions projected to surpass 27m. The forecast was revealed by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, during her keynote at the Comcast Technology Summit in Dubai. Omdia's latest data shows that both regional and international platforms continue to dominate the SVOD landscape in the region. As of December 2024, the top performers include Shahid with 4.4m subscribers, YouTube Premium with 3.7m, Netflix with 3m and StarzPlay with 2.3m. Platforms like Shahid, Netflix and StarzPlay have secured their leading positions through strong local content strategies and high user engagement. However, YouTube Premium's inclusion reveals a shifting consumer trend, as it now outpaces Netflix in subscriber numbers, reflecting growing demand for flexible, multi-format, ad-free viewing experiences. 'YouTube Premium's momentum in MENA reflects the region's appetite for seamless, ad-free streaming across platforms,' Rua Aguete noted. 'With over 80m users in MENA and 3.7m YouTube Premium video subscribers, the platform is now one of the most significant players in the region's digital media ecosystem. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of YouTube Premium's top 10 global markets.' In 2024, StarzPlay implemented a strategic shift by streamlining its service tiers – merging standalone sports with entertainment into a single 'Max' bundle. This restructuring resulted in a 30% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU), while maintaining subscriber retention and limiting churn. 'StarzPlay's emphasis on simplification and value-added bundling is driving measurable financial outcomes,' said Rua Aguete. 'It's a strong example of monetization through intelligent product strategy.' Omdia projects that the online video market in MENA will grow more than fivefold, reaching $8.4bn by 2029. Key growth drivers include expanding digital infrastructure, high mobile penetration, and a young, highly engaged population. 'MENA is undergoing a structural shift in digital video consumption,' concluded Rua Aguete. 'The next five years represent a critical opportunity for platforms, investors, and content creators to scale and innovate.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Omdia: SVOD Growth to Drive MENA Streaming Market Past $1.5 Billion in 2025
LONDON, May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) streaming video market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by the end of 2025, with subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions crossing 27 million, according to new insights released by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, during her keynote address at the Comcast Technology Summit in Dubai, held in conjunction with CABSAT 2025. SVOD Market Leadership and Competitive Dynamics Omdia's latest research highlights the continued dominance of regional and international platforms in the MENA streaming landscape. As of December 2024, the leading SVOD platforms by market share are: Shahid - 4.4 million subscribers YouTube Premium - 3.7 million* subscribers Netflix - 3.0 million subscribers StarzPlay - 2.3 million subscribers Shahid, Netflix, and StarzPlay lead the MENA SVOD market by share, driven by strong local content strategies and platform engagement. However, when YouTube Premium is included, it surpasses Netflix in subscription volume, signaling shifting consumer preferences toward platforms offering flexible, multi-format streaming experiences. "YouTube Premium's momentum in MENA reflects the region's appetite for seamless, ad-free streaming across platforms," Rua Aguete noted. "With over 80 million users in MENA and 3.7 million YouTube Premium video subscribers, the platform is now one of the most significant players in the region's digital media ecosystem. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of YouTube Premium's top 10 global markets." StarzPlay: Monetization Through Strategic Realignment In 2024, StarzPlay implemented a strategic shift by streamlining its service tiers - merging standalone sports with entertainment into a single 'Max' bundle. This restructuring resulted in a 30% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU), while maintaining subscriber retention and limiting churn. "StarzPlay's emphasis on simplification and value-added bundling is driving measurable financial outcomes," said Rua Aguete. "It's a strong example of monetization through intelligent product strategy." Market Outlook: An $8.4 Billion Opportunity by 2029 Omdia projects that the online video market in MENA will grow more than fivefold, reaching $8.4 billion by 2029. Key growth drivers include expanding digital infrastructure, high mobile penetration, and a young, highly engaged population. "MENA is undergoing a structural shift in digital video consumption," added Rua Aguete. "The next five years represent a critical opportunity for platforms, investors, and content creators to scale and innovate." Notes to Editors: *Omdia defines YouTube premium subscribers as users actively engaging with the video component of the product. Music-only subscribers and free trial users are excluded. ABOUT OMDIA Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Fasiha KhanDirector, PR and
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Omdia: SVOD Growth to Drive MENA Streaming Market Past $1.5 Billion in 2025
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) streaming video market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by the end of 2025, with subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions crossing 27 million, according to new insights released by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, during her keynote address at the Comcast Technology Summit in Dubai, held in conjunction with CABSAT 2025. SVOD Market Leadership and Competitive Dynamics Omdia's latest research highlights the continued dominance of regional and international platforms in the MENA streaming landscape. As of December 2024, the leading SVOD platforms by market share are: Shahid - 4.4 million subscribers YouTube Premium - 3.7 million* subscribers Netflix - 3.0 million subscribers StarzPlay - 2.3 million subscribers Shahid, Netflix, and StarzPlay lead the MENA SVOD market by share, driven by strong local content strategies and platform engagement. However, when YouTube Premium is included, it surpasses Netflix in subscription volume, signaling shifting consumer preferences toward platforms offering flexible, multi-format streaming experiences. 'YouTube Premium's momentum in MENA reflects the region's appetite for seamless, ad-free streaming across platforms,' Rua Aguete noted. 'With over 80 million users in MENA and 3.7 million YouTube Premium video subscribers, the platform is now one of the most significant players in the region's digital media ecosystem. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of YouTube Premium's top 10 global markets.' StarzPlay: Monetization Through Strategic Realignment In 2024, StarzPlay implemented a strategic shift by streamlining its service tiers - merging standalone sports with entertainment into a single 'Max' bundle. This restructuring resulted in a 30% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU), while maintaining subscriber retention and limiting churn. 'StarzPlay's emphasis on simplification and value-added bundling is driving measurable financial outcomes,' said Rua Aguete. 'It's a strong example of monetization through intelligent product strategy.' Market Outlook: An $8.4 Billion Opportunity by 2029 Omdia projects that the online video market in MENA will grow more than fivefold, reaching $8.4 billion by 2029. Key growth drivers include expanding digital infrastructure, high mobile penetration, and a young, highly engaged population. 'MENA is undergoing a structural shift in digital video consumption,' added Rua Aguete. 'The next five years represent a critical opportunity for platforms, investors, and content creators to scale and innovate.' Notes to Editors: *Omdia defines YouTube premium subscribers as users actively engaging with the video component of the product. Music-only subscribers and free trial users are excluded. ABOUT OMDIA Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions.
