LATAM media growth outpaces global markets

Latin America is emerging as one of the fastest-growing media markets worldwide, with revenues forecast to reach $65 billion in 2026. The figure represents year-on-year growth of 10.7 percent, well ahead of the United States, which is expected to expand by 6.9 percent to $453 billion over the same period.

The outlook is based on Omdia data presented by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media & Entertainment at Omdia, during Content Americas. Growth in the region is being driven by the rapid adoption of online video, advertising-led business models and formats designed for mobile consumption, including microdramas.

Brazil and Mexico lead regional expansion

Brazil and Mexico are at the centre of Latin America’s media expansion. Brazil ranks as the third-largest FAST market globally by revenue, generating $152 million and trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom.

Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media & Entertainment, Omdia: "What’s happening in Latin America is nothing short of remarkable. From the rise of FAST to the integration of microdramas into platforms like ViX, the region is showcasing how innovation can drive engagement and growth in the global media landscape."

Streaming habits shaped by mobile-first consumption

Usage data highlights the strength of ad-supported streaming in the region. Mexico and Brazil rank among the heaviest users of FAST services globally, with usage levels of 53 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Netflix continues to account for close to 50 percent of streaming revenues across Latin America, supported by its ad-supported tier and bundling strategies.

Content discovery is increasingly mobile-led. Platforms such as YouTube and Instagram Reels reach 97 percent of adults aged 18 to 64 in Brazil, underlining the importance of short-form and social video in shaping viewing behaviour.

Microdramas gain momentum across platforms

Microdramas are becoming an increasingly influential format in Latin America’s media ecosystem. Omdia forecasts global microdrama revenues of $14 billion by the end of 2026, with $3 billion generated outside China. The vertically formatted, mobile-first stories benefit from lower production costs and high engagement levels.

Maria Rua Aguete: "Microdramas are no longer a niche experiment. They are becoming a core driver of mobile video engagement. What stands out is not just revenue growth, but the intensity of usage. On mobile, microdrama apps are generating more daily viewing time than the world’s biggest streaming platforms."

TelevisaUnivision’s ViX platform illustrates how microdramas are being integrated into ad-supported and freemium environments. Short-form storytelling is being used to extend reach, increase engagement and grow total time spent on platform.

At the same time, services such as Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ face increasing competition from microdrama-focused apps including DramaBox and ReelShort, particularly on mobile.

Advertising fuels regional media growth

Advertising has emerged as the primary engine of media growth in Latin America. In 2025, $42 billion of global online video expansion was attributed to ad-driven models, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional television and subscription-only monetisation.

This shift reinforces the role of advertising-led strategies in the region, particularly as audiences migrate toward free and hybrid viewing options supported by digital advertising.

Implications for global streaming platforms

As global media and entertainment revenues approach $1.2 trillion in 2026, international streaming platforms face growing pressure to close the mobile engagement gap with social services such as YouTube and TikTok, where daily usage often exceeds one hour per user.

Latin America’s mobile-first consumption patterns, strong advertising markets and rapid adoption of emerging formats position the region as a testing ground for future growth strategies. With online video revenues projected to reach $34 billion in 2026, the region is increasingly shaping the direction of the global media industry.

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