Free from the confines of linear schedules, streaming TV audiences have reached a saturation point. While they remain enamored by their streaming experiences, the expanding web of services has become unwieldy and hard to navigate.
Not only is it taking viewers an increasing amount of time to find something to watch, many know what they want to watch and still can’t find it. This is particularly true for sports fans.
One-third of streaming viewers say that the amount of streaming options and content has a negative effect on their TV enjoyment
-2025 Gracenote streaming viewer survey
The untethered nature of video distribution is the new norm across the CTV landscape, and it’s taking its toll on audiences. Nearly 20% even report abandoning their TVs altogether when their searches come up empty.
Fragmentation isn’t going anywhere, but publishers have the opportunity to streamline content discovery journeys—even if it means helping viewers find something that another publisher distributes. While audiences understand that the landscape has many options, they would much rather open one door to get to what they’re looking for than have to open 10.
The streaming paradox: More content has led to less satisfaction
Viewer frustrations are on the rise as streaming service congestion increases, highlighting opportunities for improved UX and content discovery.
Streaming service congestion is fueling an uptick in FAST channel engagement
As streaming options proliferate, engagement with FAST channels is on the rise, with news and sports becoming top genres.
Why live sports are so hard to find on TV, and how publishers can help
Solving the sports discovery problem doesn’t mean owning more content. It means providing better access to it.