The trade: you watch ads, you get content. Pluto TV is free. Hulu's base tier costs less than its ad-free tier. The model is growing because subscription fatigue is real and consumers are willing to sit through ads to keep the bill down. For advertisers, it is the most direct path to premium streaming inventory.
Ad tech glossary
AVOD (Advertising-Based Video On Demand)
Technical definition
A streaming service model where content is provided free or at a reduced cost in exchange for viewing advertisements.
The ADLINGO translation
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Where this shows up
CTV
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The 2026 upfront runs on shape, not size
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CTV
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⏸️ Pause Ads
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CTV
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Get Better CTV Quality in 2025
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