Case Study: American Idol achieves faster video launch and higher ad revenue with Akamai Technologies

American Idol - Customer Case Study

American Idol, the world’s largest interactive event based on the TV show, needed a more sophisticated video experience to grow site traffic, viewer engagement, and ad revenue. Using its homegrown player was limiting, so the team looked to Akamai Technologies for a solution that could support full-screen video, embeddable links, custom channels, and controlled syndication without sacrificing profitability.

Akamai Technologies implemented the Open Video Player, giving American Idol full control over the source code and the ability to create and re-skin multiple branded players for advertisers and syndication. The result was a launch in under six weeks, a 37% year-over-year increase in streaming video views, and a scalable workflow that boosted ad inventory and revenue while maintaining control over content and updates.

American Idol

Don Wilcox

Vice President and General Manager