PRODU + Horowitz Thought Leadership: Damian Pelliccione

Our next feature in the ongoing series powered by Horowitz Research x PRODU spotlights the perspectives of Damian Pelliccione, Co-Founder and CEO at Revry, the first global LGBTQ+ media network. Damian brings an insightful point of view on the power of inclusive storytelling and the growing influence of Latinx audiences across FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) platforms.

At Horowitz Research, our mission is to deliver deep insights into how diverse audiences engage with media, content, and technology. For example, nearly three in ten (28%) Latinx consumers say that ads in TV shows on FAST are the most effective way to reach them, according to our study FOCUS Latinx: Advertising in a Digital World.

In our conversation, Damian unpacks how Revry’s latest data reveals the power of authentic representation and why inclusive storytelling is more than good content, it’s also good business.

The Power of Representation: How Latinx Audiences Are Redefining FAST Engagement

By: Damian Pelliccione

Horowitz’s new study puts numbers to what we see every day on Revry: When people see themselves on screen, they lean in—and brands earn the right to be part of the moment.
Latinx audiences over-index on FAST for live TV—and they tell Horowitz that ads in streamed TV on FAST are among the most effective. That matches our own behavior curves: Live premieres, marathons, and community watch-alongs concentrate attention and make advertising feel present, not perfunctory.

Inclusive stories hold attention, and the minutes back it up.
• King of Drag ’25 has delivered 19,872,700 minutes watched, with Samsung US alone driving 1,184,609 minutes.
• Drag Latina has delivered 11,560,326 minutes watched.
And momentum on our Latinx FAST channel is clear:
• Samsung US: Minutes-per-viewer climbed from 127.02 → 139.80.
• Samsung MX: Q1-Q3 ’25′; minutes-per-viewer rose 35.27 → 44.68.

What marketers should do now
1. Platform the culture, don’t just buy around it. Place creative in the shows communities choose—then extend with talent-led social where conversations live.
2. Measure what matters. Pair attention quality (unique viewers, minutes per viewer, share of app hours) with brand-lift and simple commerce proxies. Our survey shows identity-affirming creative drives exploration, loyalty, and purchase—so test it and publish results.
Bottom line: When brands fund authentic stories and show up in the right environment, the audience responds.

About Damian Pelliccione
Damian Pelliccione is Co-Founder and CEO of Revry, the first global LGBTQ+ streaming media network and a certified minority-owned company. Recognized by Business Insider as one of the “Top 16 Power Player Execs in Ad Video Streaming,” Damian is Hollywood’s only openly non-binary CEO and a leading voice in the evolution of inclusive media. Under their leadership, Revry has expanded to more than 60 platforms worldwide, earning honors such as Apple’s “App of the Day.” A recipient of the GLAAD Media Award and the West Hollywood Rainbow Key Award, and named among Goldman Sachs’ Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs and the Out 100, Damian brings deep expertise in queer visibility, streaming innovation, and DEI strategy. Beyond Revry, Damian has lectured at over 20 universities globally, served as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, and is a dedicated member of organizations including StartOut, Out in Tech, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles.