Changing Audience Behavior and the Shift to VOD

The pandemic accelerated the shift towards movies going straight to video-on-demand (VOD) due to audience reluctance to go to theaters. This move was supported by the booming VOD business and the opportunity to make money. Shrinking release windows for streaming services like HBO Max and Disney Plus were observed. Podcast episodes discussing movies that underperformed at the box office but were released on VOD were among the most listened to. Audience behavior has been evolving over decades, with a decline in theater ticket sales each year.