‘By 2017, Consumer Spend On Digital Content Will Reach $180 Billion’

A new report has predicted that revenues from digital content would rise to $180 billion in 2017 (next year). This increase represents 30% rise from the figures for last year when consumers spent $140 billion on digital content, according to Juniper Research.

Juniper predicted that revenue growth would primarily be driven by continued migration to streamed video services, with broadcasters and telco operators increasingly deploying their own on-demand and IPTV offerings to compete with OTT (Over the Top) players.

The research entitled Digital Content Business Models: OTT & Operator Strategies 2016-2021 stated that telecoms operators are already recognising the pressing need to invest in attractive, original content to compete with the award-winning shows developed by Netflix and Amazon.
However, according to research author Dr Windsor Holden, “The spiralling cost of most premium sporting rights means that bidders for exclusive live rights for must now pay several hundred million dollars per season. With most streamed audiences well under a million, this is likely to deter online-only players in the short and medium term.”