Another interesting article about viewership trends. Channel DVR's' interface for traditional "channel surfing" via their client (as well as being able to DVR all sources, included FAST channels) is one of the primary reasons I subscribe.
A new study suggests that streaming television is starting to look a lot like old-fashioned television, with viewers flipping apps (instead of channels) and watching commercials.
The study, The State of Modern TV Viewership, conducted by Vevo and Publicis Media, found that more than 50% of millennial and Gen X viewers watch free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels monthly, with 89% of viewers saying they think FAST delivers great value.
The study found that only 7% of FAST viewers skipped commercials, with 75% of respondents saying they enjoy a healthy mix of content with and without ads.
With the number of FAST channels exploding, content discovery becomes an important factor.
FAST channels that are preloaded onto sets by smart TV makers have a big advantage, with 49% of viewers saying they discovered the FAST channels they watched because they found apps on their TVs.
Browsing is also becoming big, with 36% of Gen X viewers saying they flip through apps before deciding what to watch, rather than selecting a specific service or program.