Observed Signal · Jan 30, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: VideoWeek · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Paramount+ Plans Short-Form Feed; CMA Proposes AI Opt-Out
VideoWeek's Week in Review highlights three main developments in ad-supported video and streaming. Paramount is exploring a short-form feed for Paramount+ on mobile, aiming to quickly build a library of clips—reportedly targeting around one million entries—with user-generated content appearing in internal planning. YouTube/BARB measurement efforts faced a setback after Barb and Kantar Media were compelled to suspend a service comparing YouTube channel viewership with other TV channels, following cease-and-desist letters citing terms-of-service concerns. In the regulatory arena, the UK CMA floated a proposal allowing publishers to opt out of content being used to train Google's AI tools and AI Overviews without withdrawing from standard search, signaling potential shifts in AI data usage and compensation discussions. The CMA’s ability to intervene stems from its designation of Google as having Strategic Market Status in the UK.
Regulatory policy update affecting AI data usage and publisher opt-outs with potential industry impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Paramount plans a short-form video feed for Paramount+ on mobile, including a catalogue of clips and potential UGC integration.
- Dan Reich, head of global product and design for Paramount+, said the team is working to put roughly one million clips into the in-development short-form feed.
- Barb and Kantar Media suspended a service that compared YouTube channel viewership with other TV channels after Google cease-and-desist letters citing terms of service violations.
- The UK CMA proposed that publishers be able to opt out of having their content used to train Google's AI tools and AI Overviews without opting out of search.
- Under UK law, the CMA can intervene in markets designated as having Strategic Market Status, a designation Google received for the UK search market.
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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UK Pushes Google for Publisher AI Opt-Out Options
UK regulators are pressing Google to give publishers and users more control over generative-AI features, including proposals from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to let publishers opt out of having their content included in Google’s AI Overviews or used to train separate AI models. Google said it already offers controls and is considering additional opt-out options. Separately, Google issued a legal cease-and-desist to Kantar Media, forcing suspension of a joint project with Barb to measure YouTube viewing alongside traditional TV and streaming, citing concerns over data access, API use and creator attribution. Market data from the Advertising Association/WARC shows UK advertising spend rose 11.4% in Q3 2025 to £12.5bn, with digital channels at 83% of spend and forecasts that TV VOD will be the fastest-growing channel in 2026.
Netflix vs Paramount: Market Shares & AI Trends
Week in Charts reviews key developments shaping the ad-tech and media landscape. It highlights Netflix's and Paramount's divergent market shares amid Warner Bros. Discovery's takeover context, with Paramount mounting a hostile bid to WBD's shareholders. The piece also covers agency-market dynamics, noting Publicis surpassing $7B in new business through Q3 and WPP at just under $2B, though WPP recorded substantial losses in prior periods. Advertiser sentiment around AI content is scrutinized by IAS, which finds 68% of brands avoid misleading or inaccurate AI content, while a minority are comfortable with AI-generated content featuring inaccuracies. In France, CNIL data suggests personal data commands high value, with 35% unwilling to sell and many willing to €10–€30 per month, while CNIL previously suggested around €40/month per service. The report closes with ad-tech stock movements (e.g., Criteo’s rise on AI tools) and Meta’s 30% cut in metaverse spending, amid broader debates on measurement and cross-platform monetization.
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