Brands that advertise on streaming platforms are perceived to be five times more modern and five times more innovative when compared to brands that advertise in non-streaming environments, according to findings from a new global report, ‘Is TV just TV?’, by Samsung Ads. These figures jumped to eight times and six times, respectively, for respondents aged 18-34.
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Respondents also perceived brands advertising on streaming as three times more relevant, premium, and unique than those brand ads seen in non-streaming environments. For the younger demographic – 18-34 year olds – this jumped to five times more.
Created with research company Verve, the study compares key markets in Europe and Asia Pacific to better understand the latest perceptions and habits around watching TV. This includes the importance of quality content, preferences between platform types, and methods of discovery.
Further growth in viewership
Subscription (SVOD) and free streaming (FAST/AVOD) viewership is due to increase more than any other channel or service, including non streaming, in the next 12 months, growing 45% and 30% respectively, according to respondents. This suggests that despite reports showing that new paid subscriptions to streaming services are down, that time spent on existing services will increase.
Over the next 12 months, Australia is expecting the biggest viewership growth in SVOD (44%) and the lowest growth in cable and broadcast TV channels (both 21%). Four out of five Aussies (82%) watch streaming services multiple times per week while those watching non-streaming TV channels multiple times per week (64%) is less than all other markets (74%).
Quality of content improving on free services
Almost two thirds (64%) of those surveyed agree that content is improving on free streaming services, resulting in 78% of viewers watching free streaming alongside their SVOD (paid subscription video on demand) services. Australia is set to become a top five market for free ad-supported streaming TV by 2027, with revenues exceeding $300M.
Viewers’ reasons for watching either scheduled TV or on-demand aren’t clear cut, and are often driven by content rather than format. 60% use streaming services if there is a programme they’re looking forward to watching – 55% tune into scheduled TV for the same reason. Similarly a third (36%) are just as happy to dip into regular TV as on demand services when they need inspiration for something to watch.
Discovery dilemma causing frustration
While more choice might seem like a positive, it has left consumers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. 65% admit to getting frustrated within 15 minutes if they can’t find something they want to watch. Brits have the lowest patience when it comes to finding something to watch with 43% getting frustrated after just a few minutes, closely followed by 37% of Aussies. Over half (55%) of viewers are now most likely to browse personalised recommendations in their search for content. Aussies are particularly hungry for content recommendations with six in ten (61%) discovering content via the ‘Trending Now’ row, versus just two in ten (19%) German viewers.
Smart TV is a key driver of Streaming growth
Smart TV capabilities are a key driver of streaming growth, and a key factor influencing TV purchase is screen size and sound quality. Easy access to video streaming apps is now the most important Smart TV feature for 39% of respondents.
Samsung found that a quarter (23%) of viewers go straight to their favourite streaming service when turning the TV on, double the number of viewers (12%) who go to their favourite channel. The research shows Australian viewers have become streaming creatures of habit with almost half (47%) jumping straight to their favourite streaming service or browsing several streaming services when they don’t know what to watch – 10% higher than any other region.
Alex Spurzem, general manager Samsung Ads Australia, says of the report: “Australia has become a streaming-first nation and it’s clear that the appetite for ads is growing. However, what this report highlights is that Aussies ultimately gravitate towards great content no matter the format. If TV is just TV in the eyes of viewers, marketers have a huge untapped opportunity to reach streaming audiences as part of their total TV mix.”