• by Wayne Friedman , March 13, 2024

The average number of global subscription video streaming platforms has declined among video users for the first time -- while free ad-supported television (FAST) services are rising, according to Omdia, a U.K. based media consultancy.

The availability of free services for the average U.S. video user has climbed to 7.5 services from 6.0 in November 2023.

Major growth has been seen for Tubi and The Roku Channel, and Omdia says they have entered the top 10 most used services on a monthly basis.

For subscription video on demand (SVOD), the research estimates the average U.S. video user has slipped to just over 3.5 streamers from around 3.8. Omdia notes by the end of 2024, all major SVOD services will have advertising tiers.

Looking at individual services across all devices and platforms, research says YouTube is the leader, followed by Netflix, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, The Roku Channel, NBC, Facebook Watch, and ABC.

In the U.K. free video services per video has grown to 6.2 from 5.1.

Compared to other global markets, in Europe, broadcasters remain strong among all territories, with traditional free TV and broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD) services leading.