Investors are climbing on board companies like Ecco, an AI startup that helps people find titles across multiple streamers using queries like 'find me all the shows about F1'. It has raised $7 million from Ben Silverman, Shaquille O'Neal, and others.
"Consumers seeking cost-effective entertainment are increasingly gravitating towards free ad-supported streaming television, with almost 70% opting for it over subscriptions. This shift reflects the evolving landscape of media consumption, where accessibility and affordability have become paramount. As viewers engage with platforms offering free content, traditional models reliant on subscription fees face significant challenges to retain audiences."