VPN Surge Amid World Cup Ads
US soccer fans turn to VPNs to avoid World Cup hydration break ads, with a 57% surge in VPN downloads on the first day
Key points
- Planet VPN saw a 57% surge in downloads on the first day of the World Cup
- VPN downloads in the US have surged as fans seek to avoid 'hydration break' ads
- FIFA introduced hydration breaks this year, disrupting the viewing experience
- US viewers are forced to watch minutes of non-stop adverts during breaks, unlike UK broadcasters
- Planet VPN's new iOS users almost doubled, with premium subscriptions in the US more than tripling
- Downloads peaked at +343% on June 19, the day of the US vs Australia match
The 2022 World Cup has seen a significant change in the viewing experience, with the introduction of hydration breaks by FIFA. However, these breaks have been met with criticism from fans worldwide, who complain that the interruptions disrupt the momentum of the matches. In the US, the situation is further exacerbated by the fact that broadcasters use these breaks to air minutes of non-stop adverts.
In response, American soccer fans have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access international live broadcasts of the games, which often provide a smoother viewing experience. According to data from Planet VPN, there was a 57% surge in downloads on the first day of the World Cup. The company's new users on iOS almost doubled, while premium subscriptions in the US more than tripled since the tournament began.
The surge in VPN downloads peaked at +343% on June 19, the day of the match between the US and Australia. This suggests that fans are desperate to find ways to enjoy the World Cup without the interruptions caused by the hydration break ads.
The use of VPNs to access international broadcasts of the World Cup highlights the growing demand for flexible and ad-free viewing experiences. As the tournament continues, it will be interesting to see how this trend develops and whether it will have a lasting impact on the way we consume sports content.
Sources
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