• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, March 27, 2023

Despite more investment in unscripted content, high-budget scripted originals still command a nearly 90% share of global subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD) original content spending, which is on track to reach $26 billion this year, according to Ampere Analysis.

Crime and thriller titles that appeal to a variety of age groups and easily cross borders lead spending, with a 24% share.

Sci-fi and fantasy follows, at about 22%, driven by the acquisition and engagement power of franchises including Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and “The Witcher,” and Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” and “Andor.”

Comedies and family fare also get substantial shares.

At the same time, due to pressure from investors to show profitability, SVODs have been moderately increasing investment in more economical unscripted content.

The number of unscripted projects commissioned by global SVODs rose 35% last year, Ampere reports.

For instance, Netflix has ventured into dating and “social experiment” titles such as “The Circle” and “Love Is Blind,” and has tested live-streamed formats including comedy specials.

“As the competition in the streaming industry continues to grow, platforms must continue to explore cost-effective unscripted formats to keep audiences engaged, emphasizing the importance of balancing quality and affordability in optimizing content strategies,” observes Ampere analyst Neil Anderson.