The Desk looks at how Philo boosted conversions and cut fraud by partnering with Stripe and accepting alternative payments like Cash App. The move helped the budget-friendly streamer better serve underbanked users and handle major spikes in demand—especially during Yellowstone…
Netflix is exploring video podcasts as part of its effort to attract creator-led content, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos suggesting some may debut on the platform soon. The move signals a broader push to compete with YouTube, which leads in TV…
CNN is launching two new digital streaming products—starting with a non-news offering in 2025—as part of CEO Mark Thompson’s plan to generate $1 billion in annual digital revenue by 2030. The pivot leans into lifestyle content over breaking news, in…
YouTube is considering adding a daily timer to limit how long users can watch Shorts, signaling a major shift in strategy from the platform that perfected doomscrolling. The move isn’t about digital wellness—it’s about rechanneling engagement toward higher-value formats like…
Netflix is testing an OpenAI-powered AI search tool on iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand, allowing users to find content using natural language and mood-based prompts. The tool is opt-in and builds on Netflix’s existing recommendation systems, aiming to…
Netflix has launched Thronglets, a mobile game tied directly to the Black Mirror episode “Plaything,” blurring the line between show and gameplay. Developed by Night School Studio, the game is a narrative extension—not just a promo—mirroring the episode’s emotional depth…
BeReal has begun rolling out in-feed ads and branded takeovers in the U.S. following its €500 million acquisition by Voodoo. The platform, once a holdout against monetization, is now chasing ad dollars from brands like Amazon and Nike, despite falling…
TiVo's latest “Smart TV Nation” report reveals that 55% of smart TV users prefer built-in streaming apps over external devices like dongles or set-top boxes. SVOD remains the top choice for viewing content, with 53% of all video watched via…
Skip argues that CTV’s so-called transparency crisis is actually a feature of the current ad tech business model, not a flaw. Every layer — from SSPs to agencies and publishers — profits from keeping advertisers in the dark. Until advertisers…
Kirby spotlights TikTok’s soft launch of its ‘TikTok for Artists’ platform as a bold step toward owning the future of creator-led media. The new tools give artists full control over fan engagement, data, and monetization—something CTV platforms will forever gatekeep.…
