There was a time when cable tv ruled the airwaves unopposed. However, in recent years consumers have begun to shift away from this format. Streaming services have created a new way for people to enjoy the content.
Why Streaming is the Future
However, cable and satellite services only account for half of the viewership, which is expected to decrease further.
The question is, why are streaming services so popular?
Personalisation
Consumers like to be catered to, and that is what streaming does. It eliminates the need for patience and fosters a feeling of exclusivity; these are all things that traditional TV are not capable of. Consumers are given the content that they are interested in, whenever and wherever they want it.
More people, especially the younger crowd, consume content on different devices; it isn’t simply watching the television anymore; there is watching on laptops and smartphones, basically anything with an internet connection. This ease of access has been incredibly influential in its success.
Creators
Content creators have utilised streaming technology such as YouTube or Twitch, and it has made them and the platforms a lot of money. These platforms are popular because they lean into the personalised content angle; the community dictates the content that is made.
There is also live-streaming on these platforms, especially Twitch, which makes the whole event feel more exclusive.
Some creators are taking this further and creating their own viewing platforms. This has huge potential, and it is relatively easy to achieve with the right help.
For example, if you were to make one such site, you would need to implement the right OTT services. Red Bee Media provides such services; they can help you create a destination for viewership and give you advice on monetizing your content.
Original Content
One of the most popular features of streaming services is the diversity in content. Old content is rediscovered when it is uploaded as well as all the new and original content that is constantly uploaded. There is a more diverse choice meaning there is something that will appeal to all uses.
This differs from watching traditional TV as it is intended to have a broad appeal, but this can often mean that it doesn’t appeal to one demographic specifically and consistently.
Control
Streaming services also make it easier to implement controls such as parental locks. It is easier to dictate what a child watches and how long they can watch for. Parents feel more comfortable knowing what their children are being exposed to.
There are ways to monitor the content that your child has been consuming so that even if they are watching without you, you still are able to watch over them.
Price & Fees
Streaming services often cost far less than a traditional cable television service. Most streaming services are incredibly inexpensive, with some even being free, meaning that they are outstanding value for money.
Traditional cable television companies also charge additional fees for setting up and renting the hardware, which is obviously unnecessary for streaming services over the internet.
That being said, some streaming services do occasionally charge extra for ‘premier access’ to new content, which can in part be attributed to the pandemic as people were unable to go out to watch new films they were released online for at a cost.
In Conclusion
One thing remains consistent despite the mode of viewership, content will only survive if it is profitable. Traditional television does continue to make profitable content despite the domination of other platforms, meaning it is unlikely to disappear completely.
Streaming is likely to continue to grow its popularity whilst the medium itself evolves,although it may be hard to predict what comes next.