Streaming services now show more ads per hour in 2026
US streaming platforms increased their ad minutes per hour by 18% between January and August, according to data given to Business Insider. Netflix saw the biggest jump, though it still averages under 2.5 minutes of ads hourly — the lowest among major services. Paramount+ now leads with 9 minutes per hour, while Prime Video alone showed fewer ads than at the year's start. Most services raised prices as ad loads rose.
- Average ad minutes up 18% since January
- Paramount+: 9 minutes ads per hour, most among peers
- Netflix has lowest ad load under 2.5 minutes per hour
- Prime Video only major service to cut ad time
- Price hikes and ad increases happened together
Sources covering this
In this story
More in Big Tech
Nvidia agrees to acquire Hugging Face for $12.9 billion
Nvidia has agreed to acquire AI platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, marking one of its largest deals to date. Hugging Face is a widely used online repository for open-source AI models and tools, serving over 18 million developers and more than 200,000 companies. Both firms stated the platform will remain open, and users will not be required to use Nvidia’s hardware or services. The deal follows significant recent security incidents involving AI models on Hugging Face.
Apple unveils foldable iPhone and new CEO Wednesday
Apple plans to announce its first foldable iPhone at an event this Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific. The company is also expected to show the iPhone 18 Pro line, new Apple Watches, and updated AirPods. It’s the first launch event with John Ternus as CEO, replacing Tim Cook, who’ll stay on as Executive Chair. Ternus told staff the upcoming launch will be “phenomenal.”
Trailer released for Sam Altman biopic 'Artificial'
A trailer for the film 'Artificial,' based on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has been released, showing Andrew Garfield in the lead role. The movie, directed by Luca Guadagnino, focuses on Altman's firing and reinstatement as OpenAI's CEO in 2023. Initially dropped by Amazon MGM Studios, the film was picked up by Neon, with a U.S. release now set for December 25 following its premiere at the New York film festival.
US opens investigation after Tesla Cybercab launch
Tesla has begun operating its new Cybercab robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, offering rides in vehicles with no steering wheel or pedals. Within hours of the launch, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation into whether these vehicles comply with federal safety regulations. Tesla reportedly self-certified the Cybercab. There are currently 45 vehicles in the Texas fleet, with plans for significant expansion.