• Free, ad-supported streaming video is gaining momentum as people spend more time at home amid the pandemic and wallet-conscious consumers look for alternatives to traditional TV.
• Business Insider is recognizing leaders who are propelling free ad-supported streaming video in 2020.
• We are highlighting 18 power players, based on a combination of our reporting, nominations from readers, and conversations with industry experts.
• Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

 

2020 could well end up being known as a breakout year for free, ad-supported streaming video.

Viewership is up across the streaming industry this year as people stay home during the pandemic. Ad-supported platforms from Pluto TV to Tubi have rushed to capitalize on the trend, hoping to appeal to increasingly wallet-conscious amid the economic uncertainty.

Industry leaders say AVOD and free streaming-TV services are moving higher up in the consideration sets of publishers and advertisers, as well as consumers.

A few