Inside the Stream – Disney Drops Apple App Store, CTV Ad Standards, and More
The streaming landscape is constantly evolving, and this week was no exception. Disney made headlines by pulling its Disney+ app from the Apple App Store, while new CTV ad standards were unveiled and a controversial Netflix documentary sparked discussions about the platform’s future.
Disney’s move to ditch the App Store for its streaming service is a bold one, potentially saving the company millions in fees. This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions between Apple and app developers over the 30% commission Apple charges for in-app purchases. However, it also leaves Disney+ users with limited options for downloading the app, forcing them to access it through their web browser or directly from the Disney website.
Meanwhile, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) released new ad standards for connected TV (CTV) devices. These standards aim to improve transparency and accountability within the CTV advertising ecosystem. The initiative seeks to address issues like ad fraud, viewability, and audience measurement, ultimately providing advertisers with more confidence in their CTV campaigns.
Finally, a Netflix documentary sparked a wave of criticism and controversy, further fueling discussions about the platform’s content moderation policies. The documentary, which focuses on a sensitive topic, has been accused of promoting harmful narratives and perpetuating misinformation. This has ignited calls for greater scrutiny of Netflix’s content selection and a more robust framework for addressing potential harm.
These developments underscore the ongoing dynamism within the streaming industry. From app store battles to evolving ad standards and content controversies, the landscape continues to shift at a rapid pace. It remains to be seen what impact these changes will have on the future of streaming and the relationship between consumers, content creators, and platforms.