7plus makes money primarily through advertising offering free streaming in exchange for viewer attention, which it sells to brands through targeted, data-driven ad placements across live TV and on-demand content.
If you’ve ever watched Home and Away the day after it aired, caught up on the AFL Grand Final, or binged My Kitchen Rules without paying a cent, you’ve experienced the 7plus model in action. While Netflix and Stan chase your credit card, 7plus has taken a different path one that’s surprisingly profitable and perfectly suited to how Australians actually watch TV.
Let’s break down how this free streaming giant really works.
What is 7plus?
7plus is Australia’s answer to “I want to watch TV, but on my terms.” It’s the streaming platform from Seven Network, offering both live broadcasts and on-demand catch-up content all without a subscription fee.
Here’s what you get:
- Live streaming of all Seven Network channels (7, 7Two, 7mate, 7flix)
- Catch-up viewing for recently aired shows
- Sports broadcasts including AFL, cricket, and major events
- Exclusive digital content you won’t find on broadcast TV
The target audience? Pretty much every Australian who owns a screen. But particularly, it appeals to cord-cutters who still want mainstream content, sports fans who can’t miss a game, and anyone who’s tired of paying for multiple streaming subscriptions.
7plus Business Model Explained
The model is elegantly simple: free content funded by advertising.
Unlike subscription platforms, 7plus doesn’t charge viewers. Instead, it follows the AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand) model you watch for free, advertisers pay for your attention, and 7plus pockets the revenue.
Being owned by Seven West Media gives it a massive advantage: ready-made content from the broadcast network, existing advertiser relationships, and decades of experience in selling eyeballs to brands.
Value Proposition of 7plus
For viewers: You get professional, high-quality Australian content without opening your wallet. No credit card required, no monthly fees, no commitment. Just create an account and start watching. Plus, you can catch that episode you missed without waiting for a DVD release or hoping it shows up on a paid platform.
For advertisers: This is the goldmine. Unlike traditional TV, 7plus offers precise targeting, detailed viewer data, and the ability to measure actual engagement. Advertisers know exactly who’s watching, for how long, and can adjust campaigns in real-time. It’s broadcast TV’s reach with digital precision.
For the network: 7plus extends the life and value of Seven’s content. A show that aired last Tuesday? It’s still generating revenue on Thursday when someone streams it. Plus, it captures younger audiences who’ve abandoned traditional broadcast schedules but still want Australian content.
How 7plus Makes Money
Advertising (Core Revenue)
This is the engine room. Every ad you sit through—whether you’re watching live or on-demand—generates revenue. Pre-roll ads before your show starts, mid-roll ads during the episode (mimicking traditional TV breaks), and even display ads on the platform itself.
Sponsorships & Branded Content
Beyond standard ads, brands can sponsor entire shows or segments. Think “This episode brought to you by…” integrations that feel more organic than traditional commercials. Some content is even created specifically around brand partnerships.
Cross-Platform Ad Bundling
Here’s where it gets smart: advertisers can buy packages that include both broadcast TV and 7plus streaming. A brand can reach someone watching The Voice live on Tuesday night and again when they stream Better Homes and Gardens on 7plus Thursday afternoon. It’s maximum coverage with minimal waste.
Advertising (AVOD) Model Breakdown
Pre-roll & mid-roll ads are the bread and butter. Before your show starts, you might watch 30-60 seconds of ads. During the show, there are scheduled breaks—just like broadcast TV, but often shorter and more targeted to you specifically.
Live TV advertising on 7plus mirrors the broadcast feed, so you’ll see the same ads as someone watching on their television. But here’s the twist: 7plus can layer in additional targeted ads based on your viewing history and profile.
Targeted & data-driven ads are where the magic happens. Unlike broadcast TV that shows everyone the same Woolworths ad, 7plus might show you a sports betting commercial while showing someone else a baby formula ad—all during the same program break. This targeting makes each ad slot more valuable because it’s more relevant.
Content Strategy Behind 7plus
Catch-up TV is the foundation. Miss Farmer Wants a Wife? It’s waiting for you. This extends the audience for every show and gives content multiple revenue opportunities beyond the initial broadcast.
Live sports & events are the secret weapon. AFL, cricket, the Olympics—these drive massive traffic and create appointment viewing, even on a streaming platform. Sports fans won’t wait for catch-up.
Exclusive digital content includes web series, extended interviews, and behind-the-scenes material that doesn’t air on broadcast TV. This gives people a reason to use the app beyond just catch-up.
International partnerships bring in content from outside Seven’s production slate, filling gaps and appealing to diverse audience segments without the cost of original production.
User Acquisition & Growth Strategy
Free access is the ultimate growth hack. There’s zero friction to trying the platform. No payment details, no trial period that auto-converts—just sign up with an email and you’re in.
TV-to-digital promotion leverages Seven’s massive broadcast reach. On-air promos during high-rating shows drive millions of viewers to download the app or visit the website. “Watch anytime on 7plus” is a constant refrain.
Mobile & smart TV distribution ensures 7plus is everywhere you are. Native apps on Samsung TVs, Apple TV, Android, iOS—wherever there’s a screen, 7plus wants to be there.
Technology & Data Advantage
This is what separates 7plus from old-school TV.
First-party user data: When you create an account, 7plus knows who you are (at least demographically). As you watch, it learns what you like, when you watch, and how you engage.
Viewer behaviour insights go beyond simple ratings. 7plus knows if you binge-watched three episodes in a row or bailed halfway through episode one. This data informs both content decisions and advertising strategy.
Personalisation & ad optimisation use this data to serve better recommendations and more relevant ads. The result? Higher engagement, better retention, and advertisers willing to pay premium rates for targeted placements.
Role of 7plus in Seven West Media’s Ecosystem
Digital revenue growth has become critical as traditional TV advertising declines. 7plus represents the future growing revenue streams while broadcast slowly shrinks.
Future-proofing broadcast TV is the real strategy here. As audiences shift to streaming, Seven isn’t losing them—it’s following them to new platforms while monetizing the exact same content. It’s a hedge against the death of linear TV.
7plus Business Model Canvas
| Key Partners | Key Activities | Value Propositions |
|---|---|---|
| Content studios, sports rights holders, advertisers & brands, technology providers | Content streaming, ad delivery, data analytics, platform development | Free live TV & on-demand content, no subscription required, high-quality Australian content, accessible across devices |
| Customer Relationships | Customer Segments | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-supported free access, personalized recommendations, account-based viewing | Australian viewers, advertisers, media buyers | Mobile apps, smart TVs, web platform |
| Key Resources | Cost Structure | Revenue Streams |
|---|---|---|
| Content licenses, streaming infrastructure, viewer data | Content acquisition, platform maintenance, technology & hosting | Advertising revenue, sponsorships, branded campaigns |
Competitors & Market Positioning
9Now, ABC iview, and 10 Play all follow similar models—free, ad-supported streaming of their respective networks’ content. The playing field is crowded.
Differentiation points for 7plus:
- Sports dominance: Seven’s AFL and cricket rights are massive drawcards
- Premium reality TV: Big Brother, Farmer Wants a Wife, and cooking shows build loyal audiences
- Technology investment: Generally considered to have a better user experience than some competitors
The competition isn’t just other free platforms either it’s Netflix, Stan, Disney+, and every other service fighting for screen time.
Tech Stack Behind 7plus (Video, Ads & Analytics)
To run a free, ad-supported streaming platform like 7plus, the technology stack must handle high-quality video delivery, real-time advertising, and deep viewer analytics all at scale.
Below is a simplified breakdown of the core technology layers behind platforms like 7plus.
Video Streaming Technology
This layer ensures smooth video playback across mobile, web, and smart TVs.
Core components:
- Cloud video hosting – Stores and delivers large video libraries
- CDN (Content Delivery Network) – Reduces buffering by serving content from nearby locations
- Adaptive bitrate streaming – Automatically adjusts video quality based on internet speed
- Live streaming infrastructure – Supports real-time TV and sports events
Common technologies used in AVOD platforms:
- MPEG-DASH / HLS (streaming protocols)
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Video encoders & transcoders
Why it matters:
Viewers expect TV-like quality with zero buffering — especially for live sports and news.
Advertising & Monetization Technology (AVOD)
Advertising is the core revenue engine of 7plus, so this layer is critical.
Key ad tech components:
- Video ad servers – Manage and deliver ads into streams
- Ad insertion
- Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) for smooth, unskippable ads
- Client-Side Ad Insertion (CSAI) for interactive formats
- Programmatic advertising – Real-time bidding for ad inventory
- Targeting & segmentation – Ads based on location, device, content type, and behaviour
Common standards & tools:
- VAST / VPAID ad formats
- Ad exchanges & DSP integrations
- First-party data targeting systems
Why it matters:
Better ad delivery = higher CPMs and better advertiser ROI without hurting user experience.
📊Analytics & Data Infrastructure
This layer turns viewer behaviour into business intelligence.
What gets tracked:
- Video starts, completion rates, and watch time
- Ad impressions, skips, and engagement
- Device usage (mobile, smart TV, web)
- Content performance by genre and time
Analytics capabilities:
- Real-time dashboards for streaming health
- Audience segmentation & cohort analysis
- Ad performance reporting for brands
- Content optimisation insights
Common analytics tools used by streaming platforms:
- Product analytics (e.g. event tracking)
- Data warehouses
- BI dashboards for advertisers and internal teams
Why it matters:
Data helps optimise:
- Content acquisition
- Ad pricing
- Personalised recommendations
- Platform growth strategy
User Accounts & Personalisation Layer
Even though 7plus is free, user accounts unlock more value.
Key features:
- Optional sign-ups
- Watch history & preferences
- Personalised content recommendations
- Cross-device viewing continuity
Business impact:
Logged-in users = better data = higher ad revenue.
Challenges in the 7plus Business Model
Heavy ad dependency is both strength and weakness. If advertising markets soften (as they did during COVID), revenue takes a direct hit. There’s no subscription buffer.
Content licensing costs are rising. Even though Seven owns much of the content, sports rights and international shows cost serious money. And unlike Netflix, 7plus can’t amortize costs across a global audience.
Rising streaming competition means viewer attention is fragmented. When someone’s watching Netflix, they’re not watching 7plus. And younger audiences are increasingly abandoning free-to-air content altogether.
Key Lessons for Founders & Startups
Free models scale faster. Removing payment friction lets you grow your audience exponentially faster than subscription models. Once you have scale, monetization becomes easier.
Ads + data = monetization. The combination of advertising revenue and valuable user data creates a sustainable business model. You’re not just selling ad space; you’re selling insights and targeting capabilities.
Content builds long-term value. Whether you create it or license it, compelling content is what keeps users coming back. Distribution platforms are commoditized—content creates defensibility.
Future of 7plus
Growth of AVOD platforms is the global trend. As subscription fatigue sets in, free ad-supported streaming is experiencing a renaissance. People are tired of paying for five services.
Smarter ad targeting will continue improving. As machine learning gets better and data collection more sophisticated, ads will become more relevant and less intrusive—making them more valuable to advertisers.
Sports-led engagement will remain crucial. Live sports is one of the few things people genuinely won’t wait to watch, making it perfect for driving app usage and building viewing habits.
Conclusion
Why the 7plus model works: It takes advantage of existing assets (Seven’s content and advertiser relationships), removes barriers to entry (it’s free), and leverages modern technology (data and targeting) to create something more valuable than traditional broadcast TV.
Why AVOD is growing: Not everyone wants to pay for streaming. Many people are happy to trade a few minutes of ads for free content especially when that content includes things they can’t get elsewhere, like live AFL or the latest Australian drama.
The genius of 7plus isn’t that it invented something new. It’s that it successfully translated a 70-year-old business model (free TV funded by advertising) into the streaming era. And while everyone was obsessing over subscription services, 7plus quietly built a platform that generates hundreds of millions in revenue without charging viewers a cent.
Build an App Like 7plus
Want to build a free streaming app like 7plus?
If you’re planning to launch an ad-supported video streaming platform, you’ll need:
- Scalable streaming infrastructure
- Ad integration (AVOD model)
- User data & analytics
- Mobile, web, and smart-TV apps
👉 I help founders and businesses design and develop streaming apps like 7plus from business model planning to feature roadmap and monetization strategy.
Get in touch to build your own AVOD streaming platform.
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