PPAI Magazine September 2025

Jose Luis Stephens / Yta23 Anton Starikov / ShutterStock.com of respondents in Motley Fool’s Subscription Survey have even opened a credit card to take advantage of subscription perks. They’re willing to add another card to their wallet if it means getting points, cash back or statement credits linked to subscription spending. Some of the most popular subscription categories include streaming TV and grocery deliveries. Beauty and skincare services are especially popular, accounting for about 45% of the market. Women are three times more likely than men to subscribe to these services, often for the chance to try new products and enjoy a little treat each month. However, 1 in 3 people cancel their subscription within three months of joining, with many citing a lack of personalization as the reason. People want more than just a generic box – they want a delivery that feels made just for them. That’s where promo comes into play. Custom items like branded tools in beauty boxes, treat jars in pet boxes or kitchen accessories in meal kits help add a personalized touch that makes the experience feel truly special. A Monthly Dose Of Happy What makes people pay for subscription services? A Self Financial survey found these among the top reasons: Subscription boxes are like mini celebrations. People love receiving them and seeing what’s inside. Elevate the excitement by including a little extra in the form of promotional products. Promo That Helps Subscriptions Feel Worth The Investment Streaming subscriptions, especially subscription video on demand, continue to be popular. Deloitte research shows that 53% of consumers use SVOD more often than any other paid media service. However, many subscribers feel they’re paying too much. Nearly half (41%) say the content isn’t worth the cost. The average household pays $69 per month for four streaming services, up 13% from last year. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu can help justify their cost and retain subscribers through promo. A soft blanket or cozy mug can turn the subscription into a more relaxing experience and invite subscribers to kick back and indulge in a new movie or favorite show. Use Promo To Win Back Subscribers Subscription fatigue is real, causing people to increasingly hit pause on their subscriptions. More than half of U.S. consumers (61%) are reconsidering their paid subscriptions, and 26% have already canceled one. Americans spend over $200 a year on unused services, wasting an average of $17 a month. This highlights an opportunity for brands to step up their game and keep subscribers engaged. Fun branded items like sport towels in fitness boxes or dog toys in pet kits create surprise and delight, reminding subscribers why they signed up in the first place. Build Brands While They Binge Watch Streaming video is part of people’s daily lives. Americans spend more than 13 hours a day with digital media, devoting more than three hours to streaming video. About 1 in 4 subscribers binge-watch at least once a week, with 19% saying they do so daily. These long viewing sessions create perfect moments to bring in promo. Branded gifts like mugs and snacks help build emotional connection and add value to the viewing experience. Plus, promo shows that brands appreciate their subscribers – not just their monthly payments. Fetch More Fun With Promo Pets have become beloved members of the family, and pet owners are embracing subscription services to keep them happy and healthy. Nearly 70% of U.S. households have a pet, and more than half of pet owners subscribe to at least one pet-related service. Globally, the pet subscription box market is projected to top $1.6 billion by 2030. Millennial and Gen Z pet owners are especially interested in customized pet boxes. They value not only convenience but high-quality pet care, which they see as an extension of caring for a family member. Brands can use promo to transform a monthly delivery into a moment of connection and joy. A surprise like a branded bandana or collapsible bowl makes the shipment feel like a treat for both pet and parent. 51% say the subscription improves their quality of life. 51% enjoy the subscription quality. 32% appreciate the convenience. 32% say it’s a good value for the money. 31% say because it makes them happy. 28% say because it makes others happy. 28% consider it a treat. 25% consider it a hobby 23% enjoy the surprise/ novelty. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2025 • 45 | Must Read

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