Time Spent Watching Free VOD TV Content Jumps 40%: Rentrak

The amount of time subscribers spent watching free video on demand television fare soared in 2012, according to the latest findings from measurement company Rentrak.

According to the "Rentrak State of VOD Report 2012," which reflects four years of platform analysis from Rentrak’s OnDemand Essentials Service, the total amount of time subscribers spent viewing free-on-demand TV content grew 40% in 2012 from 2011’s level. Moreover, the report found that the total number of free-on-demand TV programs watched went up 29% from the prior year. Relative to broadcast network shows, the percentage gains were even greater, as there was a 60% uptick in total time spent viewing those programs and a 47% advance in the number of those shows watched from the prior year.