2025: Streaming to Outpace Commercial Broadcasters in Global Content Spend
Global content spending is poised to climb to $248 billion this year, a modest 0.4% increase from 2024. This growth is fueled by a surge in streaming services' investment, which is projected to reach $95 billion, accounting for 39% of the total.
In a significant shift, streaming platforms will surpass commercial broadcasters in content expenditure for the first time, with a 37% share. The remaining spending will be divided among public broadcasters (9%), theatrical studios (8%), and pay-TV (7%).
The decline in commercial broadcasters' content investment reflects the ongoing challenges of linear viewing decline and advertising revenue fluctuations. Conversely, commercial broadcasters outside the US continue to demonstrate resilience, maintaining their content spending levels.
Peter Ingram, Research Manager at Ampere Analysis, notes, "The continued growth of VoD spend, coupled with the cautious approach of linear broadcasters, underscores the evolving role of traditional television as audiences gravitate towards streaming platforms."
This unprecedented shift highlights the growing dominance of digital platforms and streaming in the entertainment landscape, as viewer preferences continue to drive content consumption patterns.