Article content
Women Driving the Future of Streaming
When Major League Baseball recently teamed up with Rebel Girls to spotlight women working behind the scenes in sports, it struck a chord with us. Their message was simple but powerful: visibility matters. By showcasing women in roles as diverse as turf management, PR, and finance, MLB showed the world that talent and innovation aren’t defined by gender - they’re shaped by opportunity.
It also got me thinking about the women making an impact in video technology and streaming. In particular, the Women in Streaming Media community has been a huge source of inspiration. From sharing success stories to spotlighting career pathways, their work shows how important it is to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and lift each other up. Their dedication inspired this blog, because the more we talk about women in streaming, the stronger the industry becomes.
I also want to take a moment to shout out Josh, my manager here at 5V Video, who has been named Ally of the Month by Women in Streaming Media. Having champions like Josh in leadership roles shows that supporting diversity isn’t just about words: it’s about action. Allies help create the environment where innovation can thrive, and where women feel empowered to take central roles in building technology.
The State of Play in Streaming
The streaming industry has exploded over the last decade, reshaping how we consume content and how companies compete for audience attention. But while the technology has advanced at lightning speed, representation hasn’t always kept pace. Women are still underrepresented in technical and leadership roles in streaming and video tech.
That’s slowly changing. More women are stepping into roles across product, engineering, ad tech, and leadership. They’re helping design the playback experiences we all take for granted, driving monetisation strategies that keep platforms thriving, and leading teams that shape the future of streaming.
And here’s the thing: diverse teams don’t just tick a box—they deliver better outcomes. Study after study shows that teams with broader perspectives solve problems faster, innovate more effectively, and create products that resonate with wider audiences. In a sector as competitive as streaming, that edge matters.
Why It Matters in the US Market
Here in New York and across the US, companies are battling for scarce talent. From Roku/BrightScript specialists to Android Video Engineers, the demand for expertise is intense. In that environment, overlooking half the potential workforce just doesn’t make business sense.
Bringing more women into video tech isn’t just about equity, it’s about unlocking innovation. Imagine what happens when you combine deep technical expertise with diverse perspectives on how audiences watch, interact, and engage with streaming platforms. That’s where the next wave of breakthroughs will come from.
A Personal Perspective
Working with teams across the video and streaming ecosystem (such as Amanda Brody), I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is when women play central roles in building technology. Amanda’s career at Paramount speaks volumes: she managed two teams—one focusing on tech onboarding, partner integrations, product design, and internal operations, and another managing operational exceptions across NYC, Poland, and LA. She’s also led projects for Nickelodeon’s live streaming in Australia and worked with Network 10 to launch the platform successfully. It’s clear that when women lead in tech, they don’t just solve problems—they shape experiences for millions of viewers.
Like Amanda and the Women in Streaming Media community, I believe it’s important to shine a light on these stories—not just to celebrate progress, but to inspire the next generation of women to see streaming as their space too. Because the truth is: there’s room for them, and the industry will be stronger when they’re here.
Looking Ahead
Behind every smooth playback experience, every personalised ad insertion, and every interactive feature is a team of people who made it happen. When those teams are built with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, the results are stronger - both for businesses driving innovation and for the viewers they’re serving.
At 5V Video, we’re proud to support companies in building those kinds of teams. Whether it’s specialist engineers, ad tech experts, or product leaders, our focus is on connecting organisations with talent that doesn’t just deliver but pushes the industry forward.
Inspired by MLB’s spotlight on women in sports, we want to keep the conversation going in streaming. Who are the women in your organisation driving innovation?
If you’d like to talk about building diverse, high-performing teams in video technology, reach out at erin.hounsham@weare5vvideo.com