Core Insights - Subscription brands are increasingly viewing digital advertising as ineffective, with 48% reporting diminishing returns from traditional acquisition methods [1][2][7] - The performance marketing model that has driven subscription growth is under significant strain, prompting a shift towards indirect acquisition strategies [2][3][9] Industry Trends - Rising advertising costs, algorithm changes, data privacy regulations, and subscriber fatigue are identified as key challenges for subscription brands [4] - 88% of subscription brands anticipate direct acquisition costs will rise in 2025, with nearly one-third expecting increases of over 25% [7] - 80% of brands are reducing spending on at least one paid channel, including paid search ads (33%), display advertising (30%), and paid social ads (29%) [7] Strategic Shifts - Brands are reallocating budgets towards indirect acquisition strategies such as bundling, partnerships, and aggregator platforms [5][8] - 82% of brands plan to increase investment in indirect channels this year, with 90% already bundling or planning to bundle in 2025 [8] - 72% of brands report that indirect routes yield higher quality subscribers compared to direct channels [8] Consumer Preferences - 62% of U.S. subscribers prefer managing multiple subscriptions through a single bundle, with 44% already receiving at least one subscription free as part of a package [6] - Among younger users, 55% of 18–24-year-olds receive a bundled subscription they previously paid for directly [6] Implications for Digital Advertising - The findings suggest a potential shift away from performance marketing, impacting major digital advertising platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok [9] - Bango's Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) is positioned to benefit from the growing trend of bundling and indirect marketing strategies [10]

Product Launch - Verizon is introducing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which combines advanced capabilities with a thin and light design [1] - Preorders for the Galaxy S25 Edge will start on May 13, 2025, with retail pricing set at $1,099.99, available in 256GB and 512GB storage options [2] Pricing and Offers - Customers can purchase the Galaxy S25 Edge for $30.55 per month over 36 months with a 0% APR financing option [2] - A trade-in of any Apple, Google, or Samsung smartphone is required to receive the device at no cost, with a trade-in credit of up to $1,100 applied over 36 months [4][7] - Verizon offers a 3-year price-lock guarantee on its myPlan and myHome network plans, which applies to the base monthly rate for talk, text, and data [5][7] Business and Customer Incentives - Business customers can receive up to $1,000 off the Galaxy S25 Edge with a new line or device upgrade under specific plans [6][7] - Verizon's myPlan and myHome customers can save over 40% on popular subscription services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, for just $20 per month [7] Availability - The Galaxy S25 Edge will be widely available starting May 30, 2025 [2][7]