Streaming services started as a digital download offering as well as an add-on to DVDs; however, streaming platforms offer tons of TV shows and movies that individuals can choose to watch at their convenience.
Viewers get supplements to the programs to watch that run on Cable TV, but an abundance of streaming devices and increasing internet connections have accelerated the decline of traditional cable.
A growing number of users are cutting the cord and finding the best streaming alternatives. Tech giants and entertainment aren’t blind to the threat; moreover, the media landscape is changing dramatically. Curation and consolidation seem to be changing the goals of the players involved.
What is a Streaming Solution?
You might be aware of what a streaming solution is; a streaming solution is an online entertainment source for movies, TV shows, and other streaming platforms. For example, viewers can use platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Vimeo, and many more. These might not be in the same leagues, says YouTube, websites such as Instagram, Facebook, and more are the best streaming platforms.
Difference Between Live TV and Movie Streaming Services?
There are lots of streaming services; however, cutting the cord with the cable company often needs at least a two-pronged approach to get the movies and shows you love the most. Many streaming services offer a mix of both films and TV series, but few are secure to stand out from one another, and a handful will hook up with live TV.
Platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and many more provide an assortment of live channels for a monthly fee. Moreover, these are clutch for TV shows, catching sports, news, etc. Live TV streaming is probably not an essential investment for those who’re only interested in viewing movies.
What Must You Look at in the Streaming Platform?
Streaming content is a criterion that you must focus on while choosing the right streaming platform. The second factor that you can consider is pricing; there are a few more factors that can consider when choosing the streaming platform; these include:
1. Free trials;
2. Concurrent stream allowance;
3. 4K and HDR support;
4. Compatible devices.
Most of us love streaming services, but there is a great possibility that you can’t find every movie you want to watch on the platform. Many streaming platforms are trying to understand the viewer’s demands and trying to satisfy them efficiently.
How Streaming Platforms Help Content Creators and Viewers?
The video streaming platform market is projected to increase by 18.5% CAGR. The market amounted to around 17.5 billion USD from USD 7.5 billion between 2021 and 2026. The main factors that result in the market growth are increasing internet users, penetration of smart devices, technological advancements, growing demand for VoD streaming, and growing requirement for transcoding to deliver video content to maximize users. Many aspects are driving the demand for streaming software.
Streaming platforms are very beneficial if you are in the business of stories telling, engaging audiences, and building brands. Why? It’s just because of technological advancements which made many people give up television and turn to an online streaming platform.
Statista report shows that more than 27% of cable TV subscribers planned to cut the cord as of 2021. The number is almost double than 15%, which was measured during the previous year. Most of the cord-cutters were 18 to 34 years old.
The primary reason for the number of cord-cutting is the increasing use of OTT platforms, which stands out. Most people go online to access the streaming content; it’s where they can easily access the content of their choice. But the availability of lots of streaming platforms makes it difficult for you and others to choose the right one. To help you out, we have listed top streaming platforms that you can choose to entertain yourself.
1. Netflix
American subscription production company and service, Netflix, was launched in August 1997; it provides a TV series and movies library through distribution deals and its production, known as Netflix Originals. Netflix has around 221.64 million paid subscribers as of the first quarter of 2022.
Most Netflix subscribers are from Canada and the US, accounting for around 75 million of Netflix’s global subscriber base. Netflix had around 221.6 million subscribers as of March 2022. The platform offers its service in the US, Canada, Europe, Arica, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, North Korea, Russia, and many more countries. Top programs include “Money Heist,” “Lucifer,” “Bridgerton,” etc. In addition, the company offers a variety of content with a low-cost monthly subscription. Check out the complete guide to use Netflix here.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Also known as Prime Video, Amazon Prime is an American subscription that offers a standalone service. Users can choose Amazon’s Prime subscription to enjoy the video-on-demand over-the-top streaming as well as the rental service of Amazon.
The service primarily distributes television series and movies produced by MGM Holdings and Amazon Studios. The service platform also hosts content from other providers, live sporting events, content add-ons, and video rental, as well as purchasing services.
Launched in 2006, Amazon Prime Video is owned by retailer Amazon. Users can enjoy this video streaming service as a subscription bonus. The platform provides the best value streaming service; a few of the popular shows on the platform include “The Man in the High Castle,” “Hunters,” “Outlander,” and many more. There are old series such as “Downton Abbey” and movies such as “Coming 2 America,” which you can find on this platform.
3. Playnow
There is a good reason why Playnow has become a popular streaming platform in general. It’s an amazing video streaming platform that has evolved into the top-tier streaming that every streaming business must-have. Its huge content library makes it easier for users to have access to a great amount of content.
Users can search for original series, shows, documentaries, movies, and more. Kids can entertain themselves with anime, their favorite cartoons, and other content. An easy-to-navigate and use streaming platform have something for all.
4. Disney
American subscription over-the-top streaming service is owned by Walt Disney Television and The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is a content hub for the brands like Star Wars, Disney, Pixar, National Geographic, Marvel, and Star in some regions. Original TV series and films are distributed on this video streaming platform.
Disney+ is fairly new to the video streaming space; it has 137.7 million subscribers worldwide. The family-friendly streaming platform is home to many blockbusters, including “Black Panther,” “Star Wars,” and “Avengers Infinity War,” also for the musicals like “Hamilton.”
5. Hulu
Hulu is a streaming service which is owned by The Walt Disney Company and Comcast’s NBCUniversal. Established in 2007, it has a great library of TV series, movies, and other content from networks like NBC, ABC, FX Networks, and Hulu original programming. In 2010, Hulu became the foremost streaming service to add “Plus,” initially branded as Hulu Plus, which featured seasons of programs and provided access to lots of new episodes.
Hulu offers both live streaming and on-demand services. Subscribers and other users can watch original content like “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Ending Note
Streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and many more provide an amazing experience to all users. Rather than using the satellite or cable to access a great amount of content, streaming services rely on an internet connection; this is the main reason why it is less costly compared to a cable subscription.
Most streaming platforms have access to a wide content library, allowing users to access multiple movies, national news, local channels, and much more. Subscribers can even choose to add on different channels such as language-specific, international sports, premium content, or original content.
