iWorld
Rakuten TV turns to Amagi for FAST channel distribution
Mumbai: Rakuten TV has partnered with the cloud-based SaaS tech firm Amagi for channel distribution and monetisation across Europe. The video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service company has deployed Amagi’s free ad supported streaming TV (FAST) solutions.
In Europe, Amagi supports premium content brands, including A+E Networks UK, Horse & Country TV, NBCUniversal International, News UK, Sofy TV, Koch Media, ADN, Ofive TV and Viceland UK among others, on its cloud broadcast platform.
“This partnership with Amagi is key for Rakuten TV as we continue our European expansion,” said Rakuten TV CEO and founder Jacinto Roca. “It has provided access to a great line-up of third-party content across a wide range of genres.”
For Rakuten TV, Amagi delivers a line-up of nearly 50 third-party linear channels, working alongside Rakuten TV’s primary monetisation partner Rakuten Advertising. These include Bite, Bon Appétit, Brat TV, IMG EDGEsport, Insight TV, PopSugar Fitness, Qwest TV, Talk Radio TV, and Xite.
“Our channel creation, distribution and monetisation solutions are already the preferred choice for some of the largest OTT platforms and content brands in the market. We are pleased to add Rakuten TV’s FAST service in Europe to Amagi’s distribution network,” said Amagi co-founder Srinivasan KA. “With our premium content partners, viewership and advertising analytics capabilities, we are confident of accelerating Rakuten’s market share in the region.”
With over 90 free linear channels, Rakuten TV provides an unlimited audiovisual entertainment through a catalogue that features the latest releases, on-demand access to premium subscription services, free films and TV shows.
iWorld
Spotify Q1 revenue hits €4.5bn as users cross 760 million globally
Subscriber growth and margins rise as platform bets big on AI and discovery
LONDON: Spotify has kicked off 2026 on a strong note, reporting first-quarter revenue of €4.5 billion, up 14 per cent year-on-year in constant currency, as its global user base swelled past 760 million.
The streaming giant said monthly active users rose 12 per cent year-on-year to 761 million, while premium subscribers climbed 9 per cent to 293 million. The steady rise in both free and paid users signals continued demand for its expanding mix of music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Profitability also struck a chord. Gross margin improved by around 140 basis points to 33 per cent, marking one of the company’s strongest first-quarter performances to date. Operating income reached €715 million, comfortably ahead of expectations.
Spotify co-CEO Alex Norström said, “We surpassed 760 million MAU, delivered on the subscriber growth we aimed to achieve, and saw healthy engagement from existing users, reactivations and new users alike.” He added that increased listening and viewing activity in key markets such as the United States reflects confidence in sustained growth and low churn.
The company’s other co-CEO, Gustav Söderström, pointed to long-term ambition, saying the platform’s scale, creator ecosystem and investments in personalisation are opening up “new growth vectors” across formats and user engagement.
Revenue growth was largely driven by the premium segment, which rose 10 per cent to €4.1 billion, supported by price increases and stable average revenue per user of €4.76. However, the ad-supported business saw a 5 per cent dip to €385 million, though it still posted a modest 3 per cent increase in constant currency terms.
Cash generation remained robust, with free cash flow at €824 million for the quarter and €3.2 billion over the past 12 months. The company also benefited from lower-than-expected operating expenses, including €49 million in reduced social charges linked to share-based compensation.
Beyond the numbers, Spotify is leaning into product innovation. New AI-driven features such as “Taste Profile” and “Prompted Playlist” aim to give users more control over recommendations, while tools like “SongDNA” and “About the Song” deepen music discovery. The platform is also expanding audiobook charts in the United States and United Kingdom to boost engagement in newer formats.
Looking ahead, Spotify expects momentum to continue into the second quarter, forecasting 778 million monthly active users, 299 million subscribers, revenue of €4.8 billion and operating income of €630 million.
With €8.8 billion in cash and 7,258 employees, the company appears well-positioned to keep its growth story in rhythm as competition in digital entertainment intensifies.
