The world of television has changed dramatically, and with so many acronyms and terms floating around, it’s easy to get confused. We grew up with traditional TV—also known as Linear TV—which refers to free broadcasts filled with regular ad breaks. However, with the rise of the internet, the way we consume television has evolved into several distinct formats, and led to the confusing world of CTV, BVOD, SVOD, and AVOD. Let's break down what each of these terms means, and how they differ.
Linear TV: The Classic We Grew Up With
Linear TV (or free-to-air TV) is what we’ve traditionally known as television. It’s the scheduled broadcasts we watch on free-to-air networks like 7, 9, and 10, complete with ad breaks. Even though it's still widely viewed, its prominence has been challenged by the rise of streaming and internet-based platforms.
CTV: The Rise of Connected TV
Connected TV (CTV)—often referred to as a Smart TV—is a television that connects to the internet. If you're streaming content via an app like Netflix or YouTube directly on your TV, you're using CTV. It’s the hub of modern viewing, giving access to streaming platforms, catch-up TV, and on-demand content, all viewed on the television screen through the internet. CTV can blur the lines between different formats, making it a broad term associated with any internet-connected, on-demand viewing that happens on your TV.
BVOD: Broadcast Video on Demand
Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) represents traditional broadcasters’ answer to the streaming era. Think of it as an extension of Linear TV but adapted for the digital age. BVOD services like 9Now, 7Plus, 10Play, and SBS On Demand allow viewers to catch up on shows they’ve missed, stream live TV, or access exclusive content. What sets BVOD apart is that it's usually ad-supported and free to use. You can watch on your TV, computer, tablet, or phone, giving it flexibility in how and where it's consumed. Unlike Linear TV, BVOD can be targeted down to specific geographic areas, as well as gender and interest demographics.
BVOD keeps the connection with traditional broadcasters, so while you’re watching shows like The Block or MasterChef, you’re doing it via apps tied to networks we already know from free-to-air television.
SVOD: Subscription Video on Demand
Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) is what most of us think of when we hear "streaming services." Platforms like Netflix, Stan, and Binge fall under this category. The key difference here is that viewers pay a monthly subscription to access content. SVOD platforms have revolutionised the way we binge-watch, often with full seasons of shows available for streaming on demand, as opposed to the scheduled programming of Linear TV. Some SVOD platforms now offer ad-supported tiers, at a lower cost (including Netflix, Binge and Paramount+), however ads can only be targeted on a national basis at the moment.
AVOD: Ad-Supported Video on Demand
Ad-supported Video on Demand (AVOD) offers free access to content but includes advertisements as part of the experience. An example is YouTube, where users can watch content for free but will encounter ads throughout their viewing. AVOD is for viewers who don’t want to pay a subscription but are okay with occasional interruptions from advertisers.
Why Does It Matter for Advertisers?
Understanding the difference between these formats is crucial for advertisers, as each platform offers unique ways to reach audiences. For example, BVOD allows advertisers to access traditional TV audiences but in a digital, on-demand environment with full targeting capabilities. CTV offers a similar opportunity but can be more fragmented across various apps, including options like Crunchyroll and Yupp. On some SVOD platforms, the viewer has the option to choose if they are prepared to watch ad content or not. Meanwhile, AVOD platforms, like YouTube, offer a highly targeted form of advertising to viewers who accept ads in exchange for free content.
In Conclusion
While streaming is the umbrella term for all these formats, understanding the differences between BVOD, CTV, SVOD, and AVOD is important for anyone navigating today’s media landscape. TV isn’t just TV anymore—it’s a world of acronyms, apps, and options! By understanding these formats, you can better navigate the evolving landscape of video content, whether you're a viewer, a marketer, or a brand trying to make an impact.
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