AccuStream iMedia Research (not affiliated with iMedia Communications) predicts total revenue for streaming subscriptions, downloads and advertising will reach $1.36 billion in 2005, a 110 percent boost over 2004. Next year, the combined figure is expected to jump another 35 percent to $1.8 billion.  The findings were released in a new Accustream report released last week, "Streaming Advertising and Subscription Media: 2003 – 2006."

According to the report, ad revenue for online video will reach $321 million this year, up 75 percent from 2004. Gross ad billings for streaming radio in 2005 are forecast at $22 million, an 82 percent increase over 2004.  Next year, Accustream expects gross ad billings for both streaming video and radio to reach $504 million, a 47 percent rise.

In addition to more ad revenue, publishers can expect users to pay more for streaming content. Accustream predicts streaming subscriptions will climb 35 percent in 2006 to $821 million. Last year, Accustream estimates that total revenue for streaming media subscriptions and downloads totaled $641 million.