Since 2021, INOVA+ has supported European VOD platforms in securing European funding, contributing to the approval of seven projects and the mobilisation of €8.45 million under the Creative Europe Programme.

The European audiovisual sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation, driven by the digitalisation of consumption models and the growing importance of VOD platforms. In this context, the ability to innovate, differentiate offerings, and enhance the visibility of European content has become essential for operators’ competitiveness in the sector.

Recognising this, INOVA+ has played an active role in supporting European VOD platforms by contributing to the development of robust growth strategies and helping them to secure funding under the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme.

A growing sector facing strategic challenges

According to the European Media Industry Outlook, the value of the European Union’s audiovisual market was €119 billion in 2024. The VOD (Video on Demand) segment emerged as one of the main drivers of this growth. In 2023, SVoD (subscription video on demand) platforms accounted for 17% of total revenue in the European audiovisual market, confirming a structural shift in consumption habits and the continued expansion of digital models.

However, the growth of international platforms is also intensifying competition and reinforcing the need to create conditions that allow European content to gain scale and visibility, and reach new audiences.

INOVA+’s role in supporting the VOD sector

Since 2021, INOVA+ has directly supported European VOD platforms and operators in preparing applications for VODNET calls for proposals. It has worked closely with project promoters to define business models, marketing strategies, audience development approaches, and technological innovation-focused solutions.

In the last three calls for proposals, INOVA+ supported 12 European VOD platforms, contributing to the approval of seven projects with a total of €8.45 million in European Union funding. All projects directly supported by INOVA+ in these calls were approved.

This performance reflects INOVA+’s ability to transform sectoral challenges into competitive proposals that align with European priorities for the audiovisual sector and the promotion of cultural diversity in the digital sphere.

Results with a European impact

The projects supported by INOVA+ include initiatives focused on:

  • the integration of artificial intelligence to personalise recommendations and improve the user experience;
  • audience development strategies to expand the reach of European content;
  • innovation and market positioning initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of European platforms within the global streaming ecosystem.

By supporting these initiatives, INOVA+ strengthens the presence of European content in the digital market while promoting innovation, sustainability, and responsiveness to the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.

Commitment to the future: supporting the VODNET-2026 call for proposals

INOVA+’s work in this area is constantly evolving. The consultancy is currently helping European operators prepare applications for the VODNET-2026 call, which closes on 8 April 2026.

By doing so, INOVA+ is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector by supporting VOD platforms in identifying opportunities, structuring distinctive projects, and securing strategic funding to accelerate innovation.