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Industry Studios, festivals, awards, release strategies and box office vocabulary.

AVOD: Meaning & Definition in Film

Ad-supported video-on-demand offers free streaming in exchange for advertising breaks.

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AVOD: Definition

Advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) provides free access to film and television content, monetized through intermittent commercial breaks. Users watch ads—ranging from pre-rolls to mid-stream spots—instead of paying a subscription fee.

AVOD: Historical Context

As cord-cutting accelerated in the 2010s, AVOD services like Pluto TV and Tubi gained traction by combining free access with targeted digital advertising. Legacy broadcasters also introduced AVOD tiers to complement their subscription-based offerings.

Industry Impact & Use Cases

AVOD democratizes content access while generating ad revenue. Notable use cases include:

  • Hybrid Platforms: Services offering both AVOD and SVOD tiers.
  • Targeted Ads: Dynamic ad insertion based on viewer data.
  • Local Content: Free regional programming supported by local advertisers.

AVOD: Trivia

  • AVOD revenues were projected to surpass $20 billion globally in 2024.
  • Some platforms limit ad loads to improve viewer retention—often capping at 6 minutes per hour.

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More Film Industry & Awards Terms

Entries filed on the same shelf as AVOD, each with the one-line answer first. They are the words that usually come up in the same conversation.

All 835 terms

  • AI Supervisor

    An AI Supervisor is an emerging production role responsible for managing the integration and ethical governance of artificial intelligence tools in filmmaking.

  • Hot Docs Forum

    The Hot Docs Forum is North America's most influential documentary pitching event, where filmmakers present their projects to a global panel of key industry decision-makers.

  • Typecasting

    The practice of repeatedly casting an actor in similar roles based on past performances.

  • Premiere

    The inaugural public screening for press and VIPs launches a film’s publicity lifecycle.

  • Talent Agency

    A talent agency represents actors, writers and directors in negotiations and career management.

  • Licensing

    Granting legal permission to use film-related intellectual property for defined purposes.