Dublin, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Freemium OTT – Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)” has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The global freemium OTT market is projected to increase from USD 26.02 billion in 2025 to USD 27.76 billion in 2026, reaching USD 42.57 billion by 2031. The market is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate of 8.92% from 2026 to 2031, supported by greater acceptance of ad-supported streaming, expanding connected-TV inventory and increased cooperation among streaming platforms, telecommunications providers and device manufacturers.
The market report provides forecasts in value terms and analyzes the industry by device type, content type and geography. Device segments include smartphones and tablets, smart TVs, laptops and desktops, and other connected devices. Content coverage includes movies and films, television shows and episodic programming, documentaries and other formats. Geographic analysis spans North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
Ad-Supported Viewing Strengthens Freemium OTT Market Growth
Consumer acceptance of advertising in exchange for free streaming access is creating a larger and more stable audience base for freemium OTT platforms. Ad-supported services can expand reach, re-engage former subscribers and increase advertising inventory without requiring households to add another full-price subscription. News and sports programming are particularly well positioned for this model because viewers generally demonstrate stronger tolerance for advertising during high-interest or time-sensitive content.
Amagi reported a 55% year-over-year increase in free ad-supported streaming television viewing hours during the second quarter of 2026, indicating that free streaming has become an established viewing habit. Connected-TV advertising is also helping platforms improve revenue per viewer…