educational

Tackling The Technology Curve

The online adult entertainment industry was once seen as the obvious replacement to the old-school video business, but consumer preference has instead caused a melding of mediums, with punters picking porn on disc, despite the convenience of Internet delivery.

Sponsored by Vivid Entertainment and hosted by XCritic.com, the ongoing Vivid Sex Tracker Survey series continues to provide interesting insights into the various ways that porn is viewed, revealing an array of intriguing results warranting further consideration.

A recent survey finds that 28.4 percent of respondents have in excess of 100 DVDs in their personal porn collections.

For example, a recent survey finds that 28.4 percent of respondents have in excess of 100 DVDs in their personal porn collections. Given the popularity of online adult content it might be surmised that these replies are skewed by an older audience that is used to the comfort, “safety” and permanence of tangible discs — but quality obviously plays a role in the equation, with 40.2 percent repeatedly viewing their DVDs from three to five times and being satisfied enough with the experience to continue collecting this premium porn.

The audience age question also arises when looking at the 56.7 percent of respondents that say they do not use a Smartphone or tablet to view adult content; especially given the rapid uptick in the number of predominantly younger consumers using these devices — but don’t think that these viewers are adverse to using the latest technology, since more than half of respondents (55 percent) follow or interact with their favorite stars online.

This high level of interaction shouldn’t be any surprise, however, since 60.8 percent of viewers buy adult movies because of the star in it. This pattern of preference extends throughout a performer’s career and serves as the basis for the long-term “relationships” that can result from the pursuit of fandom.

For example, for their favorite directors, survey respondents chose Jenna Haze, followed by Mason, Joanna Angel, Axel Braun, B. Skow and Robby D., while favorite bloggers include Chanel Preston, Kayden Kross, Stoya and Riley Steele, illustrating the widespread appeal of performers beyond their performances.

Among this survey data’s lessons for adult marketers is a reinforcement of the value of developing a performer’s personality, taking a longer term vision than simply making the next box cover. Also, the role of technology should not be overstated, as the legacy viewing systems used by active collectors provides a balance of bandwidth and fidelity that is otherwise unavailable to many consumers.

For example, some folks have slow Internet connections, or they may fear viruses from downloads, or perhaps want a physical, portable copy. Regardless of their motives, the profitability of discs (and direct Blu-ray ISO downloads) makes this audience a valid component of adult marketing plans for years to come.

Just be sure to include a hook (and a direct link for Internet enabled devices, such as Smart TVs) for viewers to access your star’s social media presence, so those fans that are still willing to pay for porn can easily communicate and cam with their on-screen idols — while you cash in by riding today’s technology curve.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

How to Stay Legally Protected When Policies Get Outdated

The adult industry has long operated in a complex legal environment subject to rapid change. Now, a confluence of age verification laws, lawsuits, credit card processing and data privacy rules has created an urgent need for all industry participants — from major platforms to independent creators — to review and potentially overhaul their legal and operational policies.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

From Compliance Chaos to Crypto Clarity: Making the Case for Digital Payments in Adult

These are uncertain times for adult merchants. With compliance tightening and age verification mandates rising, the barrier to entry keeps getting higher.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

FSC's Valentine Leads Charge for Sex Worker Rights and Financial Access

Before ever stepping into a courtroom, Valentine already understood the power of presence. After all, they’ve shimmied on stages as a burlesque performer, consulted behind the scenes for creative businesses and moved through the adult industry not just as an advocate, but as a participant.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Breaking Down HB 805 and How it Affects the Adult Industry

North Carolina House Bill 805 was enacted July 29, after the state legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto. The provisions that relate to the adult industry, imposing requirements for age verification, consent and content removal, are scheduled to become effective Dec. 1. Platforms have until then to update their policies and systems to comply with the new regulations.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Staying Compliant With Payment Standards Across Europe and Australia

So, you’ve got your eye on international growth. Smart move. No matter where adult-industry merchants operate, however, one requirement remains consistent: regulatory compliance. This isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a critical component of keeping payments flowing and business operations intact.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

How to Avoid Copyright Pitfalls When Using Music in Adult Content

When creating an adult video, bringing your vision to life often means assembling just the right ingredients — including the right music. However, adding music to adult content can raise complex legal and ethical issues.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

New Visa Rules Adult Merchants Need to Know

In December 2024, I shared an update on the upcoming rollout of Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program, also known as VAMP. The final version went into effect in June, and enforcement will begin in October. With just a month to go, now is the time to review what’s changing and how to stay compliant.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

Dan Leal Talks Balance, Business and Daily Rituals

“We were in a big field, and I hopped off a little ledge to cut through some grass, and my knee just gave out,” he explains. “I thought it was my calf because I’d torn my calf muscle back in December, but I had an MRI that confirmed a torn ACL.”

Jeff Dana ·
profile

Sarah Illustrates Spins Chill Vibes Into Viral Fame

Lounging in her sunny SoCal backyard in between content shoots, with her hair swept into a no-fuss ponytail and the sun dappling her shoulders, Sarah Illustrates looks every bit the hot mom next door — because, well, she is. The kind of mom who bakes fresh bread on the weekends, juggles dance recitals and baseball games, and delights in life’s simpler joys, like family time and trips to Target.

Jackie Backman ·
Show More