Ampere: Ad Tiers Generating More Than Half of North American Subscription Streaming Revenue Erik Gruenwedel August 10, 2026 Projections from Ampere Analysis expect low-cost ad tiers from the major streamers to account for more than half (54%) of total North American subscription streaming service revenue by the end of the year. As the world’s most mature streaming market increasingly relies on advertising to drive growth, the region offers a clear indication of where the global streaming market is heading. Ampere estimates that revenue from advertising alone this year will exceed $18 billion in North America, accounting for more than one-fifth of total subscription revenue — a record high. North America dominates the global ad-supported subscription market, generating nearly 60% of global revenue. Platforms in this region benefit from stronger subscription ARPUs, higher CPMs, a more mature connected TV advertising environment, and a greater consumer acceptance of ads. Consumer goods and retail companies are leading the shift to streaming advertising. Procter & Gamble, Amazon and Walmart account for 22% of U.S. subscription streaming advertising impressions so far in 2026. Prime Video leads the North American ad-supported subscription market, with revenue expected to exceed $14 billion in 2026. This follows its decision to require all subscribers shift onto an ad-supported plan in 2023, with users able to opt out by paying an additional fee. In contrast, Netflix and Disney+ have encouraged users to choose their ad tier with a lower price point and fewer ads. Ampere’s research shows the six largest global streamers doubled first-run and renewal orders for unscripted content in North America between 2020 and 2025, increasing investment in shows with regular releases that encourage habitual viewing. “Advertising has become a fundamental part of streamers’ business models, changing both how success is measured and the content they commission,” said Rory Gooderick, research manager at Ampere. “As subscriber growth slows in mature markets, the focus has shifted towards driving engagement and habitual viewing. The challenge now is to increase monetisation without compromising the premium viewing experience that these streamers have spent years cultivating.” Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter! Related Posts Report: Streaming Eating Broadcast TV's Ad-Revenue Lunch Broadcast television's ad-revenue gravy train is going away, replaced by consumer and marketer's growing transition to streaming video. New data from Caretta Research finds that the legacy TV market globally is projected to lose $42 billion in revenue over the… Apple Posts Record Quarterly Subscription Streaming Services Revenue Apple Aug. 3 reported record services revenue of $21.2 billion for the third quarter (ended July 1). That was up more than 8% from services revenue of $19.6 billion in the prior-year period. Services revenue includes sales of movies and… Netflix Raises North American Monthly Subscription Fees Netflix quietly raised its North American (including Canada) subscription fees $1-$2, depending on the plan, effective immediately for new subscribers, and rolled in over the coming weeks for existing subs. It was the streamer's first price hike in the region… Parks: Ad-Supported Subscription Streaming Households to Reach 52 Million by 2027 With Disney+ set to launch a lower-priced ad-supported subscription streaming option on Dec. 8, the SVOD market offering content with targeted commercials is reaching scale. Currently, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+ and HBO Max offer subscription tiers with ads. Parks… Author Erik Gruenwedel Posted on August 10, 2026 August 10, 2026 Categories Digital , News , Research , Streaming , Top News Story Tags Ad-Supported Streaming Tier , Ampere Analysis -->
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