Livepeer usage jumps 72% in Q1 2026 as AI video demand fuels shift to fee-based model.

Livepeer's network usage surged 71.9% in Q1 2026, driven by rising demand for AI video workloads, marking a shift from inflation-driven incentives to fee-based revenue. The network processed 134.4 million minutes, with AI-related fees making up about 60% of total revenue, despite a 22% drop in average revenue per 1,000 minutes due to pricing adjustments and efficiency gains. Token economics showed mixed signals as staking rewards fell 44% amid a 26.8% token price decline, reflecting the network's transition toward a usage-centered business model. Livepeer also enhanced its platform with new features and partnerships, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing decentralized AI video infrastructure market.