OMDIA: Streaming and Ad-supported models drive LATAM media market growth

The Latin American media market is undergoing accelerated growth, fueled by rising streaming penetration and a significant shift toward ad-supported business models, according to insights presented by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, at MIPCOM 2025.

In a session organized by MIPCancun, Omdia’s data confirms that online video subscriptions in Latin America are projected to reach 167 million by 2029, indicating strong long-term expansion. The total value of the region’s online video market is also expected to nearly double, rising from $9.6 billion to $18 billion by 2029.

The event, in addition to the Omdia conference, had a business roundtable dynamic, where each table was led by a top buyer from Latin America. In the photo: Carlos Quintanilla (Sony), Rodrigo Cantisano (UNTREF Media), Andrés May (Mercado Play), Ignacio Barrera (Mas Ros Media), Michelle Wasserman (Banijay), Javier G, Eugenia Vélez (RCN), María Belén Pérez (MIPCancun), Catalina Porto (The Mediapro Studio), Andrés Mendoza (WBD), Pablo Ghiglione (Globo), María Rua (Omdia) and Jonathan Broughton (Plum Research)

FAST model and Ad revenue surge

The growth is particularly pronounced in the ad-supported space, as consumers seek affordable alternatives amid inflation and subscription fatigue.

  • FAST Adoption: The number of households using Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) services is projected to double, increasing from 26 million households in 2024 to 52 million by 2029.
  • AVOD Revenue: Advertising spend across video-on-demand (AVOD) platforms is also set to accelerate, projected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2024 to $5.4 billion by 2029.

Rua Aguete pointed out that this growth is concentrated, with Brazil becoming a dominant market. The country is expected to account for 40% of all FAST subscriptions in the region by 2029.

Platform dynamics and local content

The competitive landscape in Latin America remains distinct, with major global and regional players driving growth.

  • Regional Dominance: Globoplay leads the market in Brazil, while Netflix maintains its position as the top international player across the region.
  • Telco Integration: Movistar and Claro are noted as key players whose strategies are integrated with their respective telecommunications businesses.
  • Originals Investment: The market is characterized by substantial investment in local productions, with platforms committing significant budgets to original content.
  • Language Preference: The majority of consumption is shifting towards Spanish-language content.

Rua Aguete concluded that this transformation provides a critical opportunity for platforms to scale rapidly, driven by favorable demographics and a clear shift in consumer preference toward more flexible, ad-supported viewing models.