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STORE INTELLIGENCE · APP INTELLIGENCE · USAGE INTELLIGENCE · CONSUMER INTELLIGENCE · MARCO SCACCHI · SEPTEMBER 2023

Streaming Platforms & Their Shifting User Demographics: A Story of Strategy & Opportunities

With the evolution of streaming platforms a crucial need for flexible advertising approaches has arisen. Disney+ has strategically directed its focus toward older users, redirecting ad resources to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, favored by older audiences. In contrast, Pluto TV's strategy revolves around younger viewers, as evident from increased ad investments in TikTok and Hulu. These strategic maneuvers highlight the importance of understanding user demographics in navigating the ever-changing streaming landscape.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding and targeting specific user demographics drive growth in the streaming industry.

  • Tailored ad strategies based on audience preferences lead to positive outcomes for platforms like Disney+ and Pluto TV.

  • Leveraging cross-app usage data guides better ad targeting and audience reach, exemplified by Pluto TV's investment in TikTok.

  • In a dynamic landscape, adaptability and innovation are vital for sustained growth and success in streaming.




The world of streaming platforms is a dynamic and ever-changing arena, where companies continuously fine-tune their strategies to maintain a competitive edge. Recent data from Sensor Tower has shed light on fascinating trends in user demographics across major streaming apps.

As the streaming landscape evolves, some platforms, such as Disney+, are making strategic pivots in their digital ad approach to target mature, high-spending users. This shift has led them to increase their ad spending on platforms that resonate with this older demographic.

Conversely, other platforms like Pluto TV are focusing on effectively engaging with younger users. The data reveals that Pluto TV has significantly increased its investment in platforms popular among the youth, a move that appears to be a savvy strategy.

In this captivating realm of streaming, understanding user demographics and adapting advertising strategies are key to thriving in an increasingly competitive market. The insightful findings from Sensor Tower offer valuable lessons for streaming platforms seeking to capitalize on shifting audience preferences and secure their position in the ever-evolving streaming landscape.

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How Disney+ Lured a Mature Audience - A Successful Pivot in Ad Strategy

Disney+ exemplifies effective ad strategy by attracting a mature audience. Initially focused on family-friendly content, Disney+ strategically increased its ad spending on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and popular websites favored by mature audiences. This shift, coupled with content expansion towards more mature themes, bolstered Disney+'s appeal and drove growth among users aged 45 and above.

The lesson for other streaming platforms is clear - comprehending and targeting your audience can significantly impact user demographics and overall growth. This becomes even more crucial in times of high inflation, as reaching customers with greater disposable income becomes a priority.

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Pluto TV's Playbook - Harnessing the Power of Platforms Popular with Youngsters

Pluto TV is making waves in the streaming space with its targeted ad strategy. By significantly increasing its ad spend on platforms popular among younger audiences, such as Hulu and TikTok, Pluto TV is stepping up its game to compete against platforms like Netflix and Disney+ that now offer lower-cost, ad-supported subscriptions.

Notably, Pluto TV's heightened investment in TikTok, one of the top five apps where Netflix users in the U.S. spend a considerable amount of time, demonstrates a keen understanding of cross-app usage dynamics. This insight has the potential to transform ad strategies significantly. It serves as a valuable reminder for app publishers and streaming competitors - exploring cross-app usage data and adapting strategies accordingly can be a game-changer in the competitive streaming industry.

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As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Disney+ and Pluto TV's strategies will undoubtedly resonate with other streaming platforms and app publishers. The data-driven insights underscore the crucial role of user demographics in shaping success and the potential game-changing impact of tailored ad strategies.

Moving forward, it is clear that the ability to adapt and innovate in response to shifting audience preferences will be paramount. By harnessing cross-app usage data and employing strategic ad investments, streaming platforms can forge deeper connections with their target audiences and carve a unique space in this dynamic and fiercely competitive streaming realm. As we embrace the future of streaming, these key takeaways will guide industry players toward continued growth and success in this enthralling and ever-changing world of digital entertainment.

For a deeper dive into the data and analysis presented in this post, view the full report below.



Sensor Tower's platform is an enterprise-level offering. Interested in learning more?


Marco Scacchi

Written by: Marco Scacchi, Senior Qualitative Insights Analyst, EMEA

Date: September 2023