Riga COMM 2026:
Did the Feed Kill TV? 

AI is changing the content. Feeds are changing discovery. Viewers are changing the rules. At Riga COMM 2026, Backscreen explored how AI-powered streaming, vertical video and viewing habits are redefining the OTT experience. From swipe-first storytelling to smarter content discovery and new revenue models, one question took center stage: Did the feed kill TV? 

From What's On to What's Next  

At Riga COMM 2026, Backscreen joined the Latvian IT Cluster to share an industry perspective on the future of streaming. Diāna Tirzmale (Product Owner) traced the evolution from linear TV's "What's on?"  through OTT's "What do I want to watch?" to algorithm-driven feeds promising "Show me something interesting."  
As AI transforms search into seamless discovery, the value of an OTT platform is defined not only by its content, but by how effortlessly viewers find what they want to watch.  

OTT Meets the Feed 

Vertical video is reshaping the OTT experience, bringing swipe-first discovery, microdramas and premium long-form content together in one streaming ecosystem. 

Short episodes. Long engagement. According to Omdia's analysis of Sensor Tower data (Q4 2025), ReelShort recorded 35.7 minutes of daily mobile usage per user, compared with Netflix's 24.77 minutes. For broadcasters, the strategic opportunity lies in bringing that attention into their own OTT ecosystems, connecting short-form engagement with long-form viewing and monetization beyond traditional advertising. 

Content Multiplied  

AI is changing the economics of video content. A single full-length episode can become a trailer, short-form video, vertical clip or social media asset, expanding its reach across platforms and audiences. AI-powered subtitling, dubbing and metadata enrichment make content easier to localize, manage and discover. 

One asset, multiple formats, greater value. With AI streamlining content workflows, existing video libraries can reach new audiences, serve different viewing moments, and generate more value throughout their lifecycle. 

The Next Era of Streaming 

The future of streaming isn't about choosing between traditional TV and new formats. It's about making content work harder across screens, audiences, and viewing habits. AI is transforming discovery, while smarter video infrastructure makes that evolution possible. 

From video content management to streaming delivery and monetization, Backscreen Webplay provides businesses with the tools to manage and distribute video through their own digital platforms. 

You build the portal. We make it move.  

Explore Backscreen Webplay and turn your video content into a connected streaming experience. 

As a member of the Latvian IT Cluster and a participant in its cooperation network, SIA Tet has entered into an agreement to participate in the activities of Project No. 1.2.1.1/2/25/A/004, “Promoting the Internationalisation and Growth of the Latvian IT Cluster and Its Cooperation Network Members.”  The aim of the project is to promote the internationalisation of the Latvian IT Cluster and its cooperation network members and to strengthen cooperation between the private, public and research sectors through joint activities, including international trade missions, participation in international exhibitions and other export promotion initiatives. The project is co-funded by the European Union.