Streaming services have become one of the most popular ways to watch television. Consumers love the convenience and flexibility that streaming offers, as well as the wide variety of content that is available. Learn about the seven things that consumers love about streaming services.
1. The convenience of streaming
Streaming is a convenient way to watch television because the user doesn’t have to go to a specific location in order to watch their show. In addition, streaming is available anytime and anywhere that a smartphone or other internet-enabled device can connect to the internet, making it extremely convenient for busy professionals who don’t have time to sit down and enjoy a traditional hour-long show during their nightly television schedule.
2. The amount of content available with streaming services
Thanks to streaming’s widespread popularity and convenience, there is an abundance of content available from a variety of networks. In other words, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on their smartphones or other internet-enabled devices.
Streaming services not only give consumers access to shows and movies from all different kinds of networks, they also let viewers watch the latest episodes of shows from around the world. For example, American audiences can watch Korean dramas or Japanese anime months before the shows are released on another platform. Filipinos working or living outside of the Philippines can catch their favorite TV shows from Pinoy channels. Furthermore, foreign language movies are available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and other popular services.
3. The ability to pause and resume programming without losing your place
Streaming services give viewers the ability to pause and pick up where they left off, which is a feature that does not typically come with traditional cable packages. This added level of convenience gives streaming users the freedom to pursue other activities while they watch their favorite show without worrying about missing something important.
4. The affordability of streaming services
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of streaming services is affordability. Rather than receiving hundreds of channels through a traditional cable package, consumers can subscribe to one or two online streaming services for as little as $7.99 per month. They also don’t need to sign an annual contract or pay expensive equipment rental fees.
5. Streaming services create FOMO
Streaming services are a great way to commune with other people and form a community dedicated to watching shows together. There are several social media outlets where Netflix and chill sessions have taken place, which create a sense of fear of missing out (FOMO). In addition, streaming services encourage people to discuss what they’re watching on social media, sparking conversations that can go on for days.
6. It’s easy to binge-watch shows, movies, and specials
One of the best things about streaming services is that it gives viewers the ability to easily binge-watch a show or series, which can increase media consumption exponentially. Many people will watch an entire season or series in just a few sittings, which puts them right in the middle of the action without having to wait a whole week for the next installment.
Although more series now drop episodes on a weekly basis, binge-watching is still one of the ways that many people watch their favorite shows. Some people wait until all episodes have dropped before they begin watching a show.
Con: The increasing number of streaming services
There are more and more streaming services to choose from which may be good for competition by pressuring companies to create quality content and maintain a relatively affordable subscription package for consumers. However, it also makes it impossible for consumers to subscribe to all streaming platforms available in the market. Some analysts fear that the number of streaming platforms will become so high that it may become too costly to subscribe to all of them. Many cable networks are launching their own streaming services, which makes consumers’ subscriptions even more scattered and complicated.
Having too many streaming services isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can make it difficult for users to keep up with all the available options. Eventually, it could lead to a return to cable or other traditional TV network subscriptions.
Streaming has quickly become one of the most popular ways to watch television content. There are a number of benefits to streaming. However, one possible downside is an increased number of streaming platforms that may be too difficult for consumers who want access to all new releases sooner than later without breaking their budget — but for now, this is a drawback that many streaming aficionados seem willing to accept.