As streaming keeps shifting, fresh models are rewriting the rules of content consumption and monetization. Among these, AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) have gained significant traction by offering free content supported by advertising. To help solidify Europe’s position in this shifting market, we joined OKAST, Titan OS, and Impresa to launch ASAP4EU—an EU-funded consortium designed to enhance advertising solutions for European AVOD and FAST platforms.
What is ASAP4EU?
ASAP4EU (Advertisement Solutions and Analytics Platform) is an innovative initiative to develop interactive advertising technologies tailored to the European market. Co-funded under the Creative Europe Media program, this consortium unites key players from the streaming and advertising ecosystems: OKAST, a leader in FAST channels and OTT platforms; Titan OS, a significant force in the connected TV advertising marketplace; Impresa, Portugal’s largest private media group; and Broadpeak, a specialist in streaming technology.
By combining our expertise, we aim to revolutionize advertising in AVOD and FAST formats, making it more interactive, personalized, and in accordance with European regulations. The consortium will run over a three-year period, during which it will develop advanced advertising technologies, improve monetization opportunities for content creators, and foster a European ad ecosystem that is fair, transparent, and culturally aligned.
Key Benefits of ASAP4EU
The ASAP4EU initiative brings many benefits for industry stakeholders, European audiences, and advertisers. Here are some key advantages:
- AI-Driven Meta-Content Discovery: Leveraging artificial intelligence, ASAP4EU will enable platforms to deliver personalized content recommendations, enhancing the viewer experience while maximizing ad revenue. This means content owners can better match ads with user preferences, increasing engagement and advertising effectiveness.
- Interactive and Shoppable Ads: One of ASAP4EU’s most exciting features is its focus on creating interactive ads, including “shoppable ads, ” allowing viewers to purchase products directly from their screens. This level of interactivity opens new avenues for brands and advertisers to connect with consumers seamlessly and engagingly.
- European-Centric Solutions: ASAP4EU is rooted in the European market and is designed to adhere to local regulations, ensuring data traceability and compliance with privacy laws. This is critical in an era where data security and consumer rights are paramount.
- Personalized FAST Channels: The consortium aims to make content more accessible and engaging for viewers by allowing content owners to create customized FAST channels tailored to specific audiences. This personalization level also allows advertisers to target their ads more effectively.
- International Scalability: While ASAP4EU primarily focuses on Europe, the technologies and solutions developed have the potential for international scalability, giving European players a competitive edge in the global market.
Broadpeak’s Role in ASAP4EU
At Broadpeak, we have been at the forefront of improving content delivery networks (CDNs), ad insertion technologies, and streaming quality for audiences worldwide. With our SaaS platform, broadpeak.io, we bring advanced ad insertion capabilities to the consortium, enabling seamless and efficient ad delivery for AVOD and FAST platforms.
Our expertise in video streaming ensures that content is delivered with exceptional quality, even during peak demand times. By collaborating with the other consortium members, we are helping create an enriched and smooth viewing experience that benefits content creators and advertisers alike. This aligns with our long-standing mission of providing streaming solutions that enhance the quality of experience for millions of viewers globally.
A European-Driven Solution for a Global Challenge
The global streaming market has been heavily influenced by U.S. technology and platforms. However, with ASAP4EU, the consortium aims to build a European-driven solution that benefits local markets while still being able to scale internationally. As Cédric Monnier, CEO of OKAST, highlights: “There is an influx of American technologies in the advertising space, but the European market has the capacity and expertise to develop homegrown solutions that adhere to local regulations and reflect the continent’s cultural diversity.”
In the words of Mathias Guille, Vice President of Cloud Platform at Broadpeak, “We are advancing the capabilities of FAST and AVOD platforms, ensuring a seamless and enriched viewing experience for audiences while driving sustainable growth for content creators and advertisers alike.”
By fostering collaboration between European players, ASAP4EU is a testament to Europe’s capability to lead digital content and advertising innovation. The initiative strengthens the region’s position in the global market and ensures that European regulations, culture, and diversity are respected and promoted.
The Future of Streaming in Europe
With AVOD and FAST models growing in popularity, initiatives like ASAP4EU are crucial to ensuring that Europe can compete globally while preserving its unique market needs. By developing interactive, AI-driven advertising solutions, ASAP4EU will empower content creators, advertisers, and platform providers to thrive in a rapidly changing digital ecosystem.
As the consortium develops its technologies over the next three years, the collaboration among Broadpeak, OKAST, Titan OS, and Impresa promises to influence the future of streaming and advertising in Europe. It’s a project worth following for anyone who cares about the evolving media landscape.
For more updates on Broadpeak’s participation in ASAP4EU and other innovative projects,
stay tuned to broadpeak.io.
