IBC 2024 Takeaway: Unlock Profitability and Efficiency! Explore the latest trends from IBC 2024 that emphasize innovative revenue streams and effective cost-saving strategies.
If you’re looking for the key moments from IBC 2024 beyond just a few words, we’ve crafted this blog to give you the scoop on the standout takeaways that caught our attention at this year’s event in Amsterdam.
IBC 2024 in numbers
After chatting with people post-IBC2024, some felt the show had fewer attendees than before. But the numbers say otherwise—IBC2024 saw growth, attracting 45,085 visitors from 170 countries to the RAI Amsterdam, a 2,000 increase from last year. The event featured over 1,350 exhibitors, up by 100 from 2023, including 150 new exhibitors. Exhibition space expanded to 46,000 square meters, surpassing last year’s 44,500 square meters.
Key themes included AI, 5G, cloud, sustainability, and immersive experiences, with the introduction of new zones like the AI Media Production Lab and the AI Tech Zone, the event was buzzing. And at Broadpeak, we definitely felt the energy—our booth was packed with visitors nonstop throughout the show. Or, as Jacques le Mancq share internally “at some point, our booth looked like Alamo with waves of customers flooding our floor space”.
Broadpeak’s booth at IBC 2024
At IBC2024, Broadpeak showcased a range of innovative solutions that enhance and optimize video streaming and boost monetization for service providers. Our booth featured live demonstrations of broadpeak.io SaaS platform, highlighting Dynamic Ad Insertion technology, including the groundbreaking Click2™ feature, which allows viewers to interact with ads during streaming. We also introduced Spot2Spot, offering advanced addressable TV capabilities for targeted ad replacement.
In addition, we presented our end-to-end video streaming solutions, which support workflows from transcoding to delivery. Our new high-performance caching and CDN as a Service (CDN aaS) further simplify video streaming operations, empowering content providers to deliver more personalized experiences. We were also thrilled to have partners like BT Group join us at the booth throughout the show to showcase their MAUD solution, which leverages Broadpeak’s nanoCDN® multicast ABR technology.
BT group, Bouygues Telecom & more partnerships
MAUD (Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery), developed by BT Group leverages Broadpeak’s nanoCDN™ multicast ABR technology to improve live video streaming quality and efficiency. By grouping streams at the network core and converting them back to unicast at the edge, MAUD reduces bandwidth and delivery costs while offering broadcasters a more reliable, scalable, and sustainable streaming solution.
We were excited to welcome Mamnun Khan – Senior Partnerships Manager, Content Delivery, Colin Phillips – IPTV & CPE Solution Architect, and Adrian Tipple – Senior Manager, MAUD & Broadband QA from BT Group to our booth to showcase MAUD. The strong interest from attendees demonstrated its game-changing potential in live streaming
At IBC 2024, we also showcased broadpeak.io’s cutting-edge SSAI solutions in collaboration with our valued partners, including Comcast, castLabs, Dotscreen, Bitmovin, OKAST, Alpha Networks, and Qualabs.
Broadpdeak's IBC 2024 Takeaway? Make Money and Save Money, more sustainably!
At IBC 2024, the spotlight wasn’t solely on cutting-edge technologies but also on pragmatic strategies aimed at optimizing operations. Video service providers, facing increasing pressure to streamline workflows and maximize the use of their existing resources, are shifting focus from chasing flashy innovations to making the most of what they already have.
This involves leveraging AI to boost ad revenue and improve content delivery, adopting flexible, scalable systems to enhance efficiency, and embracing hybrid cloud solutions to cut infrastructure costs. The overarching message was clear: broadcasters need to do more with less by prioritizing operational simplicity, cost-effective solutions, and incremental improvements rather than constantly pursuing the next big tech trend.
The event highlighted three interconnected themes—monetization, cost savings, and sustainability. Video service providers are concentrating on unlocking new revenue streams, with AI-driven Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) improving ad targeting and profitability. Simultaneously, the shift to OTT platforms and hybrid cloud integration is reshaping content delivery, opening up fresh business opportunities.
1. Maximizing Monetization in Video Delivery
In this context, innovative ad formats played a central role throughout the event, particularly in strategies to increase the value of existing content. broadpeak.io’s Spot2Spot solution, for example, taps into a significant opportunity within linear TV advertising. By enabling broadcasters to replace individual ads in a stream with more targeted, relevant ads, Spot2Spot unlocks an enormous business potential by better utilizing the billions of linear TV impressions that were previously underexploited. Through the integration of Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) into streams, Spot2Spot enhances the value of ad inventory—especially for live events and prime-time slots—while preserving a high-quality viewing experience.
Additionally, we showcased broadpeak.io’s Click2, an interactive advertising solution that revolutionizes OTT video ads by making them interactive. Click2 allows viewers to engage directly with ads by clicking on banners to receive notifications or links to advertiser websites without interrupting their viewing experience. This approach creates new possibilities for targeted, data-driven ad campaigns while delivering a seamless, engaging experience for users. Particularly valuable for Connected TV (CTV) and OTT platforms, Click2 boosts engagement and monetization by providing broadcasters with more personalized and measurable ad experiences. Check what Mathias Guille, VP Cloud Platform at Broadpeak, said about these solutions:
2. Minimizing Costs in Video Streaming
Cost efficiency has become a top priority for broadcasters as they seek flexible, scalable technologies that align spending with actual usage. By embracing innovations such as playout automation, cloud-based workflows, internet-based content distribution, and enhanced video compression, video service providers can significantly reduce their operational expenses. However, the push for cost reduction in video streaming goes beyond simply cutting costs; it also focuses on maximizing performance and energy efficiency.
With the demand for video content on the rise, adopting cost-effective distribution strategies is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge (learn more about it with our blog “Cost Reduction in Video Streaming). Advanced technologies enable businesses to enhance their delivery mechanisms without requiring substantial infrastructure investments.
For example, Broadpeak’s Open CDN model allows content providers to utilize existing infrastructure and resources from ISPs. This collaborative approach not only lowers costs but also reduces electricity consumption, particularly during peak streaming events. By ensuring a high-quality experience for viewers, this method supports sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact.
Broadpeak plays a pivotal role in this transformation, offering solutions that enhance energy efficiency while driving down costs. Its robust video delivery technologies empower service providers to optimize operations, significantly lowering streaming expenses. Available as both on-premises and cloud-based SaaS, Broadpeak’s software delivers exceptional quality of experience (QoE) while also addressing the environmental concerns associated with video streaming.
3. Sustainability in the Video Streaming Industry
Sustainability is also gaining attention, with energy-efficient practices becoming a key focus as video service providers aim to reduce both costs and environmental footprint. As the industry evolves, balancing innovation with financial and environmental demands remains essential.
At Broadpeak, we prioritize sustainability by developing innovative solutions that significantly reduce the carbon footprint of video streaming. Our focus on energy efficiency allows us to provide more eco-friendly options for content providers without compromising quality.
Our advanced video streaming software achieves impressive energy efficiency and enhances performance while minimizing hardware turnover as industry standards evolve. Additionally, our Multicast ABR solution allows a single stream to serve millions of viewers, cutting energy consumption substantially. With our new energy consumption KPIs in the monitoring portal, operators gain real-time insights to help them lower their environmental impact effectively.
To broaden the discussion across the industry, we actively contributed at IBC 2024 by hosting the “Sustainable Live Streaming – Coffee with the Catalysts” events at our booth. This engaging session delved into how live streaming can become more sustainable, potentially consuming up to 80% less energy and requiring as much as 85% less hardware. Experts from Bouygues Telecom, Edgio, Humans Not Robots, TIM and Broadpeak shared valuable insights on how collaboration between ISPs, content providers, and CDNs can significantly reduce the environmental impact of live streaming. Attendees enjoyed organic coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations about the future of sustainable practices in the industry.
Xavier Leclerc, Broadpeak’s VP of Business Development, participated in the session “MTSS Presents Sustainability in Action: Real-World Case Studies from Media Tech Leaders” on September 15. This enlightening session explored how sustainable practices are revolutionizing the media landscape. Attendees learned about groundbreaking innovations in sustainable sports and live event production, and heard from industry leaders on the lasting impact of the Digital Sustainability Alliance (DSA). The discussion highlighted why CEOs recognize sustainability as both an ethical imperative and a smart business strategy.
Additionally, we were proud sponsors of The Flint Green Line, a unique networking event that took attendees from London’s St. Pancras Station directly to Amsterdam via a dedicated Eurostar carriage. This initiative provided IBC attendees with a low-carbon travel option, allowing them to network with fellow industry professionals who prioritize sustainability. The event featured an afternoon of networking, education, and a lively pub quiz, all while promoting greener travel choices.
These initiatives at IBC 2024 highlighted our commitment to fostering sustainability in the streaming industry and our dedication to leading the charge toward more environmentally responsible practices.
Conclusion
IBC 2024 underscored that making money and saving money can go hand in hand in today’s media & entertainment landscape. Our participation highlighted how video service providers can optimize operations while reducing their environmental impact. As Jacques le Mancq noted, the sentiment from the event was clear: “we are really relevant in this industry.”
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue driving sustainability within streamingg. With IBC returning in 2025, from September 12-15, we can’t wait to reconnect with industry peers and explore new opportunities. In the meantime, reach out to us today to discover how we can work together for a more profitable and sustainable media future.
Ready to rethink your approach to monetization, cost reduction, and sustainable streaming? Reach out to us today to explore innovative solutions tailored to your needs!
