Number Of US Paying Users Of Online Video Sites Increases
The number of US paying users of online video sites has grown significantly between 2006 and 2007, according to new research from Parks Associates.
Kurt Scherf, Parks Associates’ vice president and principal analyst, said: “We have seen widespread use of the Internet as an electronic delivery medium for video content over the past couple of years.
“Certainly, the availability of higher-quality content and a significant base of products like the iPod that allow for more seamless content-to-device linkages have provided a boost to the online video space.”
Although this recent consumer data points to more widespread use of the internet as a video delivery network, Scherf indicates that the market has been characterized by as many failures as successes to date, and that it remains very much in flux.
“With issues surrounding content rights, the role of incumbent video providers, business models, and questions about how consumer electronics manufacturers and other service providers will actually succeed, the space is very fluid at this point.”
Broadband and IPTV statistics recently unveiled at the Broadband World Forum Europe in Berlin show that the number of people using IPTV services increased by 179% in the 12 months to 30 June 2007 (see Eight Million People Now Using IPTV Services).
The statistics, prepared for the DSL Forum by industry analyst Point Topic, reveal that over eight million people are now connected to IPTV services.
At the start of the month, Advertising.com published the findings of a new US study, which revealed that 62% of survey respondents viewed video online, comprised mostly of those ages 35 and older viewing news clips.
Analysed by age group, 31% of 18 to 34 year olds watched streaming video, while 69% of consumers ages 35 and older viewed streaming video online (see New Study Reveals Online Video Viewing Habits).