Denver, CO — June 2025 | The StreamTV Show 2025 concluded this week, drawing together major players across the streaming ecosystem—broadcast networks, tech innovators, and emerging OTT platforms—to explore one pressing theme: How can streaming platforms build scalable, sustainable businesses in a rapidly evolving digital landscape?
Gizmott, a leading B2B OTT platform enabler, exhibited at this year’s event and engaged in high-level discussions with platform owners, broadcasters, and content distributors. After three days on the ground, three clear takeaways emerged from the sessions, panels, and conversations—each pointing to where OTT is headed next.
1. Sustainable Growth Over Vanity Metrics
Industry executives at the event agreed: the era of chasing views and viral spikes is over. The new priority? Long-term audience engagement and ROI.
From keynote panels to breakout sessions, speakers emphasized the importance of retaining users through better content experiences and meaningful interactions. Monetization models are shifting from short-term wins to audience lifetime value and loyalty-building.
“Viewership alone isn’t enough anymore. It’s about creating value for both the viewer and the business,” one media executive noted.
Gizmott echoed this perspective, showcasing tools that help OTT providers personalize content delivery and optimize user journeys for stronger engagement and revenue retention.
2. FAST Channels: Strategic Tool, Not a Universal Solution
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) continued to dominate conversations, with many studios launching branded FAST channels to capitalize on growing ad demand. However, a more measured tone surfaced this year.
While FAST is expanding, industry experts cautioned against over-saturation and misplaced expectations. For smaller content owners, launching a FAST channel may not guarantee results in an increasingly crowded space.
Gizmott presented a pragmatic view: FAST should serve as an entry point, not the final product.
“Use FAST to reach broad audiences, then funnel them into your branded OTT environment—where you can control UX, gather first-party data, and monetize deeply,” said a Gizmott spokesperson at the booth.
This hybrid approach—blending FAST discovery with SVOD/PVOD monetization—is gaining traction among mid-size and niche platforms.
3. AI Matures in Streaming Tech
The 2025 show marked a turning point for artificial intelligence in OTT. AI tools for recommendation engines, viewer analytics, ad targeting, and content operations are no longer theoretical—they’re delivering measurable results.
Presenters shared real-world case studies of AI boosting average watch time, improving ad revenues, and personalizing content with precision. Discussions moved beyond hype, focusing instead on implementation and performance metrics.
Gizmott showcased its proprietary AI-powered recommendation system at the expo, drawing attention for its role in increasing platform engagement and lowering churn rates.
“We’ve moved from ‘why AI?’ to ‘how AI can impact our bottom line.’ It’s now a core driver of viewer satisfaction and platform profitability,” said one panelist.
Industry Outlook: Adaptability Will Define Success
As the dust settles on StreamTV Show 2025, one truth stands out: OTT platforms must evolve or risk falling behind. Whether through smarter monetization, targeted audience strategies, or intelligent content curation, platforms must innovate intentionally.
Gizmott is positioned at the forefront of this transformation, providing end-to-end streaming solutions tailored to the needs of media businesses in 2025 and beyond.
For those looking to adapt to these changes and create their own streaming ecosystem, Gizmott invites industry stakeholders to connect and explore opportunities.
🔗 To learn more or build your own branded OTT platform, visit gizmott.com
