A Great CES, Is A Prepared CES
CES 2024, the most powerful tech event in the world, is scheduled to take place from January 9-12 in Las Vegas. This event is a proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators, where brands get business.
The event is expected to surpass the CES 2023 footprint and number of attendees, exhibitors, and global media. The anticipated numbers for CES 2024 include over 130,000 attendees, more than 1,000 startups within Eureka Park, and over 3,500 exhibitors.
Introduction: A Sneak Peek at Tomorrow
In today's fast-paced world, keeping up with the evolving content and entertainment industry is challenging. This article, as part of CES series, previews the key developments shaping the future of content and entertainment tech leading up to CES 2024. From mobile streaming supremacy to the creative possibilities of AI, we delve into the trends and innovations taking center stage. Consider this your backstage pass into the content and entertainment revolutions on the horizon.
Mobile Streaming Dominance: Entertainment in Your Pocket
Mobility lies at the heart of 2024's entertainment experiences. With 5G connectivity and compression innovations, high-quality streaming is possible even in congested urban areas. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu are optimizing for mobile-first viewing, enabling entertainment anytime, anywhere. Offline downloading overcomes connectivity concerns. Mobile devices have become our personalized entertainment hubs.
Most streaming now occurs on mobile, with 45% of streaming on mobile devices
Mobile devices account for over 50% of global internet traffic, much of it video
Over 70% of YouTube watch time stems from mobile
Mobile streaming's rise is not just about adapting content for smaller screens. It's about crafting experiences catered to audiences in motion. Platforms recognize that streaming must be immersive and seamless across devices. Mobile entertainment promises to transform downtime into spectacular moments.
The Ad-Supported Streaming Boom: Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Cost-conscious consumers are flocking to free, ad-supported streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Peacock. These platforms offer thousands of shows and films in exchange for commercials. Ad spending on connected TV grew nearly 40% in 2023 per IAB. For households looking to save, ad-supported streaming grants access to content at no cost.
1 in 3 streamers in the US use ad-supported platforms
Over 70% are comfortable with ads in exchange for free content
Time spent on ad-supported streaming now rivals subscription services
Major players (in the US) include Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo, and The Roku Channel
With "subscription fatigue" taking hold, many viewers are averse to juggling multiple paid services. That's where ad-supported streaming shines. Platforms like The Roku Channel and Samsung TV+ offer varied channels for free, interspersed with ads. It's a treasure trove of content without the monthly bill.
Battle for the Binge-Watcher: The Streaming Content Wars
The streaming wars rage on as platforms invest heavily in exclusive originals to stand out. Netflix plans ad-supported tiers but may counter with exclusive releases. Disney+ and HBO Max leverage hit franchises like Marvel and Game of Thrones. Apple TV+ partners with renowned creators. This content arms race aims to capture—and keep—viewers' attention in a crowded market.
Netflix’s original content spend peaked at $6.2bn in 2021
In 2022, streamers spent a whopping $23 billion on original new scripted content
Apple TV+ focuses on prestige projects with big name talent (like MLS Soccer)
The NFL is shifting from traditional TV towards NFL games through streaming services (YouTube)
Newer players like Apple TV+ and Peacock have accelerated competition. Each platform offers distinct advantages to subscribers, from prestigious originals to classic comfort shows. The battle to be viewers' service of choice looks to intensify in 2024.
The Podcast Gold Rush: Audio Entertainment Evolves
Podcasting has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry, projected to top $4 billion by 2024 per Insider Intelligence. Spotify has acquired major networks like Gimlet Media. Amazon Music, Apple, and SiriusXM have launched premium podcast subscriptions. Hosts have tremendous creative freedom across limitless topics. As homes and cars grow smarter, podcasts become effortlessly accessible. With low barriers to entry, podcasting empowers independent creators.
By 2025, global listeners are to surpass 500 million - around 23.5% of all internet users
Top genres are comedy, education, news, culture, and true crime
Over 50% of listeners are more likely to consider a brand mentioned on a podcast
Podcasts help 75% of listeners discover new things
Once a niche market, podcasting now offers the audio counterpart to Netflix—a haven for original voices. True crime, comedy, news, and more: there’s a podcast for every taste. As technology removes friction in discovery, podcasting enters a new golden age.
Streaming in New Dimensions: The Rise of Immersive Entertainment
Entertainment is becoming more immersive and interactive. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are enhancing traditional forms of entertainment like movies and games by providing more immersive experiences. Users can interact with virtual worlds and characters in new ways. Platforms are also using VR and AR to pioneer completely new entertainment formats like virtual theme park rides and interactive museum exhibits.
The potential applications span education, training simulations, marketing experiences, and beyond. But entertainment remains a major use case as developers create new ways for people to gather and interact in shared virtual spaces. Just as streaming opened new avenues for storytelling, VR and AR promise to redefine the future of digital engagement and usher in a new era of immersive entertainment.
66% of consumers are interested in VR for entertainment
47% see social media as the top use case for VR/AR
VR gaming, live streaming, and video lead popular applications
1% of retailers currently use AR/VR in shopping experiences
The melding of emerging technologies with creative storytelling techniques provides glimpses into the future of digital interaction. Immersive entertainment built on VR and AR foundations will transform how people connect through shared virtual experiences.
AI, Data And Content: Personalized Experiences & Creation Efficiency
Sophisticated AI recommendation algorithms enable hyper-personalized experiences. Disney+ automatically generates “character collections” based on favorites. Spotify tailors playlists to fit users’ moods. TikTok's uncannily accurate “For You” feed demonstrates the power of data-driven personalization. As these capabilities advance, expect experiences attuned to individuals' tastes.
75% of content watched on Netflix comes from recommendations
Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist delivers personalized music picks
YouTube Watch Next algorithm drives over 70% of viewing time
Voice control devices like Alexa are transforming content discovery
Platforms leverage AI to make recommendations predictive and playlists prescient, curating content aligned with each viewer and listener’s preferences. While raising some data privacy concerns, these advancements point to more tailored and enjoyable entertainment ahead.
Furthermore, generative AI models like DALL-E and GPT-3 are demonstrating new capabilities for automated content creation. These systems can generate images, text, audio, and video with minimal human input. Content creators can utilize these AI tools to ideate, draft, and refine content more efficiently. Generative AI promises to transform creative workflows by augmenting human imagination and productivity. When implemented responsibly, generative AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
Conclusion: The Brave New World Of Entertainment Is Here!
As CES 2024 approaches, these trends signal an inflection point in how people engage with content. Driven by technological innovation and new business models, the balance of power is tipping from institutions to individuals. Anyone can now impact entertainment as a creator, influencer, or active participant. Despite potential pitfalls, the future looks bright for variety, personalization, and human creativity. The stage is set for an entertainment revolution at CES 2024.
In Closing…. Next Steps
This article has hopefully provided a useful overview of the content and entertainment tech trends to watch heading into CES 2024. To dive deeper into these innovations and develop strategies to leverage them, and to tailor your CES presence, book a FREE consultation with our CES specialist, Jan-Luc Blakborn (who will attend for the 26th time!). BOOK HERE: https://calendly.com/jlb-mtg/ces-2024-prep
If expanding your business operations into the US market is one of your goals, our broader team’s expertise can be of assistance. Do not hesitate to schedule a free call to discuss your USA expansion plans and how best to develop an effective market entry strategy, tailored to your business, following a successful CES. BOOK HERE: https://calendly.com/jlb-mtg/30min-usa-entry
Don’t forget! THE BEST CES IS A PREPARED CES!
See you at CES 2024 in Las Vegas!
(CES Prep) Maximum Ventures: https://www.maximumventures.net/
(USA Entry) Van Holland Group: https://www.vanhollandgroup.com/