Via Licensing Alliance has updated its AVC/H.264 streaming license fees for new agreements starting in 2026, replacing the previous flat $100,000 annual cap for large services with a tiered structure. Tier 1 platforms-such as OTT services with 100 million+ subscribers, FAST channels with 100 million+ daily users, or major social platforms with 1 billion+ monthly active users-now face up to $4.5 million per year. Existing licensees through the end of 2025 retain their prior terms under grandfathering, while small or nascent services continue paying the lower $100,000 rate. The change affects only previously unlicensed implementers and is sparking renewed interest in royalty-free alternatives like AV1, especially as some H.264 patents near expiration around 2027.This adjustment reflects efforts by the patent pool to better align fees with platform scale in the growing streaming ecosystem.

For everyday viewers, this change is mostly invisible. Your Netflix subscription or satellite TV bill won't jump because of it. The biggest effects are on any brand-new or previously unlicensed smaller services, not on what you watch today.