Nielsen starts SVOD measurement

To date, eight TV networks and production studios have signed up to Nielsen Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) Content Ratings. These include Disney-ABC, Lionsgate, A&E Networks and Warner Brothers.

Nielsen began measuring streaming content in 2014 as an opt-in service but this now uses technology that allows it to create audio signature files to credit viewing, without needing submissions from subscribing clients.

It uses demographic and household characteristic data from Nielsen National TV Panel. Subscribing clients will gain a more comprehensive view of their content’s total audience wherever it was viewed. They will be able to follow the full life-cycle of a programme from live to time-shifted viewing to set-top-box video on-demand and now SVOD.

In addition, clients will be able to see competitors’ ratings which Nielsen said would help properly value inventory.

Megan Clarken, president of Watch, Nielsen, said: “The significant growth of SVOD services in entertainment markets across the world has created demand from rights owners to understand the size and composition of audiences relative to other programs and platforms.

“The syndication of SVOD measurement as part of Nielsen’s Total Audience offerings represents a big step forward in terms of moving closer to transparency within the SVOD marketplace.”