Q2 2025 Digital Subscription Tracking Report

DCN's Digital Subscription Tracking Report for Q2 2025 data shows that the overall U.S. digital subscription market is in a stable, mature phase, with 92% of households subscribed to at least one service across the seven digital categories measured. However, shifting consumer preferences and pricing strategies continue to shape the competitive landscape across digital subscriptions, streaming, publishing (newspapers and magazines) and audio.

The average number of subscriptions per household dipped to 7.4 (from 7.8 a year ago), driven largely by a decrease in ad-free SVOD services. Still, total monthly household spending increased, reaching $149.64, up more than $5 year-over-year, driven by price hikes, particularly in vMVPD segment.

Key highlights:

• SVOD still leads the subscription market, with 92% of households subscribed to at least one service, though ad-free options lost share to ad-supported alternatives, now making up 46% of all SVOD subscriptions.
• Bundling continues to rise, especially in SVOD, digital news, magazines, and audio-57% of consumers now subscribe to at least one bundle.
• Digital newspapers declined slightly, reaching 22 million households, while digital magazines held steady, with 28% of households subscribing. Among digital magazine subscribers, 27% accessed content through a bundle.
• vMVPD subscriptions held steady at 39 million, even as monthly fees jumped from $75.50 to $84.30.
• Digital audio subscriptions dipped to 54%, down from 57% a year ago.

These shifts signal a more intentional approach to digital media consumption, with consumers actively managing costs while still prioritizing content access. In a competitive market, value-driven choices, like bundling and ad-supported options, are redefining how households engage with subscription services.

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