Use of streaming video increased 38.8% in 2006 across all entertainment and media sites, including free (ad-supported) and subscription services. Internet music radio grew by 17.9% in ‘06.

The largest streaming video networks include Internet aggregation sites such as Yahoo, MSN, Real Networks. Traditional media brands such as Disney/ABC and CBS also command significant video streaming share.

While more audio and video is being used on the Internet than ever, people are getting it from more sources. The number of broadband streams per unique user site declined 10.9% in 2006 to 10.6 streams per month, excluding video advertising streams. In 2005, 11.9 video content streams were viewed per unique user per month across all broadband sites.Music videos commanded the largest share of streaming video in 2006, capturing 35.5% of total streams served, and news a 23.6% share.

“Media and entertainment brands fully embraced broadband publishing in 2006,” commented AccuStream research director Paul A. Palumbo.

“They made more premium content available, that’s the key, and fashioned syndication relationships with aggregators who can deliver audiences and began to populate emerging distribution platforms. Moreover, a growing base high speed users and the adoption of Flash propelled the market.”

Source: AccuStream