Monterey, Calif. - Over 24.9 billion video streams were served across all entertainment and media sites in 2006, an increase of 38.8% from the previous year, according to a report from AccuStream iMedia Research.

The data includes both free and subscription services, but leaves out user-generated video delivered via progressive download.

Music videos commanded the largest share of streaming video in 2006, capturing 35.5% of total streams served, down 22% from 2005.

News video was the biggest gainer, as total streams were up 90%, and the segment's share of the total video streaming market grew 38% from 2005 to represent 23.6% of the market in 2006.

The largest streaming video networks included Yahoo, MSN and RealNetworks, while broadband extensions from traditional media firms like Disney/ABC, CBS, Viacom, Time Warner and NBC Universal also commanded significant share.

"Media and entertainment brands fully embraced broadband publishing in 2006," said AccuStream research director Paul A. Palumbo.

"They made more premium content available, that's the key, and fashioned syndication relationships with aggregators who can deliver audiences and began to populate emerging distribution platforms. Moreover, a growing base high speed users and the adoption of Flash propelled the market."

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