Streaming services have become incredibly popular, with most Americans using their smart TVs or other devices to access them. People typically subscribe to multiple streaming services rather than sticking to just one.
A recent survey conducted by Verizon Media and Publicis Media found that, on average, consumers use five streaming services, while those who also use cable TV along with streaming use an average of seven.
With so many options available, it’s understandable that some users feel uncertain about which streaming service to choose. The survey revealed that 56% of consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of streaming services available.
For those with unlimited options and a generous budget, the market is a paradise. However, choosing between services like Netflix and Hulu can be confusing. Fortunately, Watchinamerica provides clear guidance on what each service offers.
Netflix and other streaming platforms invest heavily in original content to retain their customers. For instance, Netflix announced that 45 million subscribers worldwide watched Sandra Bullock’s mystery thriller “Bird Box” in its first seven days, making it the platform’s most successful first-week release ever.
These viewership numbers indicate that nearly a third of Netflix’s 137 million subscribers watched the movie between Dec. 21 and Dec. 27, a period when many people have more free time due to the holiday season.
However, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu may soon lose licensed movies to upcoming competitors. In December, Netflix reportedly paid $100 million to continue licensing “Friends” from WarnerMedia.
While having numerous options is better than having too few, it is still becoming a problem. It’s impossible to watch everything on just one streaming service, let alone multiple ones. As ScreenBinge notes, the educational content on Netflix alone could keep someone occupied for years.
Rachel Soloff of PitNews notes that there are now more streaming services than ever. Initially, the appeal of streaming services was the ability to watch favorite shows on demand. But with so many competing services, people subscribe to multiple platforms just to watch a few programs that interest them, often ignoring the rest of the content.
According to The Guardian, the cost of streaming services can quickly add up. Individually, these services may seem affordable given the wide range of topics they cover. However, if you sign up for multiple services, the total cost can become significant. Nearly half of American users reportedly worry about how much they spend on streaming.
There’s also a lack of connectivity between competing streaming services. To find a favorite show, you need to know which platform it’s on or search through all of them. One study found that 80% of people using five or more streaming services desired a “universal search” feature.
The streaming industry is at a critical juncture. As it has grown and expanded, it has also become more competitive. Surprisingly, this increased competition does not necessarily benefit consumers. Instead, it creates confusion and oversaturation. The streaming wars have left users overwhelmed with too many options. In the world of streaming, more choice doesn’t always mean a better experience.
