Connected TV Trends Creators Can’t Ignore

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For many creators, the question isn’t whether audiences are watching connected TV—it’s whether they can afford to ignore it. Traditional cable subscriptions continue to decline as viewers shift to streaming services across smart TVs and OTT platforms. Connected TV (CTV) has become one of the fastest-growing ways people consume entertainment, information, and on-demand content. This change doesn’t just affect large media companies; independent creators are now able to reach living room audiences directly with their own apps and shows.

Audiorista makes this transition easier with its powerful video and OTT app builder, giving creators the tools to launch branded apps across connected TV platforms without needing any coding expertise. In this guide, we’ll break down the critical connected TV trends creators should pay attention to, where the opportunities lie in launching OTT apps, and how TV streaming can redefine monetization strategies.

How connected TV is changing the creator landscape

The shift from linear cable to connected TV has been steady and undeniable. Households across the globe are replacing traditional cable subscriptions with streaming options delivered through smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. As more viewers cut the cord, creators should recognize this as an opportunity to expand reach rather than fear it as a disruptive force.

Connected TV eliminates the gatekeeping traditionally found in broadcast and cable. Independent creators can now stand alongside major media companies on the same screens. By entering the CTV space early, creators position themselves in front of audiences that increasingly expect to access entertainment and information directly through streaming.

Understanding the connected TV ecosystem

Connected TV encompasses a range of platforms and devices, and understanding this ecosystem is essential for creators considering their next steps. At its core are:

OTT platforms, which deliver video content via the internet instead of cable providers. Services like these have become the modern equivalent of TV channels.

Smart TVs, which integrate streaming technology directly into the television itself, allowing viewers to install apps and stream content without external hardware.

Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV have emerged as key players, serving as accessible, user-friendly ways for audiences to access streaming apps. These platforms function like “channels” of the digital world, creating space for both household-name services and independent creators.

By understanding this ecosystem, creators can begin to see how valuable it is to secure a presence on these platforms. Becoming an app that viewers can find on their Roku or Fire TV is the modern equivalent of being listed in a cable package—but with greater control and flexibility for creators.

Opportunities and monetization for creators

One of the most significant connected TV trends is the rise of independent OTT apps. Instead of relying solely on YouTube channels or third-party platforms, creators can develop their own branded streaming apps. These apps give creators ownership of the audience relationship and control over how content is delivered and monetized.

The benefits of launching your own OTT app include branding, direct audience engagement, and the ability to scale content delivery without being tied to a single distribution channel. Tools like Audiorista’s video app builder make it simple to create your own video app and launch a CTV app without any technical barriers. This means creators can put their shows, music videos, or any premium content on par with the streaming services viewers already browse daily.

Monetization strategies

As creators move from small screens to the big screen, revenue opportunities expand significantly. Connected TV supports several established monetization models that can work for independent creators. These include:

Advertising: By inserting pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll ads, creators can benefit from TV-quality ad spots and target audiences effectively through connected platforms. Audiorista supports advertising integrations, allowing creators to monetize their content efficiently.

Subscriptions: A subscriber-based model allows creators to charge directly for access to premium or exclusive content, building recurring revenue. Audiorista enables creators to set up subscription models easily, managing access for their audience.

Sponsorships: Partnerships with brands can provide financial support in exchange for native promotions or co-branded experiences embedded into programming.

Hybrid models: Many creators choose a mix of advertising and subscription income, balancing accessibility with premium offers. Audiorista’s flexible platform supports a range of monetization strategies, so creators can tailor their approach to their audience and content.

With these options, content owners are no longer confined to monetizing on desktop or mobile alone. The living room has become a revenue-generating environment where creators can thrive. To see how others are building on this trend, explore creator apps on OTT platforms. These examples of TV streaming apps showcase how flexible monetization strategies can be when you launch your app with Audiorista.

Future trends and next steps

Connected TV continues to evolve rapidly, and proactive creators will benefit most from anticipating the shifts. Targeted advertising is expected to expand significantly in CTV because streaming platforms collect detailed audience data that enables precise ad delivery. For creators, this opens the door to premium sponsorship opportunities and a higher yield from ad-supported content. Audiorista’s analytics and integration capabilities help creators understand their audience and optimize monetization.

Interactive content is another emerging trend. Viewers increasingly expect not just to watch content, but also to engage with it—whether through interactive storytelling, polls, or live events streamed directly via connected TVs. Audiorista’s platform supports interactive features, allowing creators to deliver engaging experiences on the big screen.

Finally, global distribution is lowering barriers for creators. Once limited to local or national broadcasts, content can now cross borders seamlessly. This offers ambitious creators a way to reach entirely new international audiences through their own streaming apps. Audiorista’s multi-platform publishing ensures creators can distribute their content globally without technical hurdles.

The clear takeaway: creators who embrace connected TV early are best positioned to ride these waves of innovation and to scale their audience reach while maximizing earnings.

Ready to expand your content to the biggest screen in the house? Use Audiorista to create your own branded connected TV app and start reaching new audiences today.