As media consumption evolves at lightning speed, the race to captivate and retain viewers has sparked a surge in FAST and AVOD platforms. With an expected 3.4 billion users by 2027, according to Statista, these platforms are rapidly partnering with content providers to meet the insatiable demand. However, amidst this growth, managing financial transactions and partner payments efficiently has become a significant challenge—a critical component for success.
Navigating Financial Complexities in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
1. Building a Robust Finance Infrastructure The fast-paced expansion of the media industry has often led FAST/AVOD platforms to develop their finance infrastructures hastily. Relying on cumbersome spreadsheets and manual processes, these early-stage solutions are prone to errors and inefficiencies. As platforms scale, streamlining and automating payment processes becomes essential. An automated system not only minimizes inaccuracies but also boosts operational efficiency, allowing platforms to focus on growth.
2. Ensuring Auditability & Traceability As partnerships and revenue-sharing agreements proliferate, maintaining clear and accurate financial records is crucial. A robust system that tracks all financial interactions with content providers not only safeguards against discrepancies but also facilitates smooth audits. This transparency fosters trust, a cornerstone for enduring financial relationships in the industry.
3. Overcoming Reporting Challenges The complexities of reporting in the FAST/AVOD domain are significant:
-
- Managing Massive Data Volumes: The extensive data generated from ad deliveries requires meticulous collation and analysis, a task that can be daunting without the right tools.
- Adjusting for Diverse Partnerships: Platforms must account for varying terms and conditions across different supply and demand partners, necessitating precise adjustments and careful management.
- Handling Complex Contract Terms: Compensation structures like Minimum Guarantees (MGs), Recoupable Fees, Fixed Fees, and Inventory Share demand accurate tracking and reporting.
- Generating Comprehensive Statements: Regularly providing clear and detailed content provider statements ensures transparency and accountability.
- Accurate Revenue and Billing Processes: Properly determining advertiser revenue, billing, and financial reporting through Journal Entries (JEs) is critical for accurate accounting.
Streamline Your FAST/AVOD Financial Operations
The FAST/AVOD industry is revolutionizing content delivery and consumption. However, the complexities of managing financial relationships with content providers necessitate a well-structured, automated payment system. Such a system can efficiently handle data at scale, manage complex adjustment logic, and ensure a controlled, auditable process for reviewing and approving partner shares. By addressing these pain points, platforms can foster smoother, more transparent, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Ready to transform your financial operations and partner payments? Discover how our solutions can help streamline your processes and enhance your platform’s efficiency. Explore our FAST solutions here and schedule a demo with our sales team today.