Entertainment streaming services have grown tremendously in the past few decades, with several platforms competing for market shares, such as Netflix and Prime.
Consumers use streaming services to access on-demand entertainment services, such as movies and TV shows, for a fixed subscription fee.
Some of the biggest entertainment fans have multiple subscriptions to several services. Still, the most prominent platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, have thousands of titles to watch, so it’s possible to narrow it down to one subscription if you’re not overly fussy!
Streaming services are excellent because each one has its own unique selling point, making its content unique and appealing to various consumers. But how does this relate to revenue? This article will rank the top streaming platforms based on their revenue, providing insight into each service’s financial strength and market dominance.
Netflix
If you own a TV or smart device, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve used Netflix at some stage. This leading global video streaming platform has a large, versatile selection of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content that viewers with all different tastes can enjoy.
The platform revolutionized the entertainment industry due to being one of the first services (created in 2007) to provide on-demand access to diverse content, available to be streamed across multiple devices at a fixed subscription fee.
In 2007,
the platform pioneered on-demand, diverse content streaming across devices.
Here are some of the revenue figures that
indicate Netflix as being the current
streaming service market leader;
Here are some of the revenue figures that indicate Netflix as being the current streaming service market leader;
subscribers as of 2022
Revenue as of 2022 Q4
Netflix’s successful end to 2022 can be pinned down to several factors, including Wednesday, which was released within this quarter and became the platform’s third most successful series of all time. With the sheer amount of traffic and views, this brought more inquisitive consumers subscribed to the platform, resulting in higher revenue and excellent subscriber figures.
Entertainment
Offerings:
Netflix provides customers with various offerings, such as;
Netflix offers thousands of movies covering an extensive number of genres so that customers can enjoy comedy, action, romance, sci-fi, and many more film types. Providing these genres are independent and critically acclaimed popular film companies and directors, so users can be sure to find something great that suits their taste.
One of Netflix’s standout features is its vast and versatile TV show selection, which can be pinpointed as one of the reasons for the platform’s success. Netflix has many original series, such as Sex Education and Bridgerton, which are just some of its most popular offerings on the platform.
In recent years, documentaries have risen in popularity, and Netflix has jumped into this spike by offering a range of
thought-provoking documentaries.
Whether viewers want a mind-boggling true crime documentary such as Girl in the Picture, a fascinating music documentary like Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana, or a David Attenborough nature documentary, an incredible range available on the platform will draw you in.
As briefly touched on in the above categories, one of Netflix’s most inviting features is that the platform has high-quality, entertaining original productions that you can only access with a subscription. With high-budget TV shows, documentaries, movies, and comedy specials featuring world-renowned talent, it’s no surprise this is one of Netflix’s most significant selling points.
Some of the most notable original Netflix creations include Stranger Things, The Crown, Wednesday, The Witcher, You, and Ozark.
Netflix’s original programming started in 2013, with the House of Cards series. Now, there are hundreds of original creations under Netflix’s wing, with no signs of slowing down due to their commercial and critical success.
Key Features
Personalized
Recommendations
Users can discover new content tailored to their interests easier than ever when using Netflix, thanks to the algorithms the platform uses to recommend content based on ratings, viewing history, and preferences. This useful feature prevents users from mindlessly scrolling to find something to watch.
Multiple Device
Compatibility
With Netflix, users can stream content on smart TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets. Users can watch content on the go from one device and catch up where they left off on another, providing a highly convenient approach to consuming entertainment seamlessly.
Offline Viewing
Watching content while traveling or staying in places with limited connection used to be challenging until Netflix introduced its offline viewing feature. With this feature, users can download content to their devices to watch shows and films without an internet connection.
Profiles
With a single account, users can set up multiple profiles so each user can have their own viewing history and personalized recommendations. This feature makes Netflix perfect for households and families.
Continuous
Playback
Binge-watching became a phenomenon thanks to Netflix’s playback feature, which automatically plays the following TV series episode, ensuring the user doesn’t have to select the next episode manually.
Parental Controls
Dependable control features allow parents to restrict the content their children can watch, with specific profiles designed for child-friendly content.
Hulu
Although less well-known than Netflix, Hulu is a popular video streaming service regarded for its versatile entertainment offerings and innovative features. The platform provides users with on-demand access to TV shows, original content, movies, and live TV options.
Here are Hulu’s most recent figures
regarding revenue and commercial success;
Here are Hulu’s most recent figures regarding revenue and commercial success;
subscribers as of 2022
Revenue as of 2022 Q4
You’ll notice Hulu’s subscribers are significantly lower than that of Netflix, yet the platform is making a substantial revenue, hence why it’s high up on our list. This revenue can be pinpointed to Hulu’s higher subscription fees than other platforms.
For example, Hulu + Live TV (with ads) is $69.99/month, which is a pretty high monthly payment. And, with 47.2 million subscribers, these pricey memberships begin to amount to increased revenue that establishes the platform as a market leader.
Hulu + Live TV,
$69.99/month,
with 47.2M subscribers, impressive revenue of
$2.813 billion.
Entertainment
Offerings:
As Hulu is a versatile platform, it offers a range of entertainment styles that users can enjoy with a membership;
Hulu teams up with various networks to provide a diverse catalog of TV shows, including current and past seasons of acclaimed series’, international content, and favored network shows. Users can dive into various genres, from comedies to dramas and reality shows.
- The Handmaid’s Tale,
- Shrill,
- This Is Us,
- Castle Rock.
Hulu has a movie selection that covers recent releases, independent movies, documentaries, and classic films. Although the collection has some great titles, it isn’t as extensive as competitors such as Netflix.
Hulu has exciting original content exclusive to the platform, ranging from films, original series, and documentaries.
Users can opt for Hulu + Live TV, an add-on that provides access to live television channels. With the add-on, users can stream live sports, entertainment, and news broadcasts, ensuring they can watch their favorite shows as they air.
Users can opt for Hulu + Live TV, an add-on that provides access to live television channels.
Key Features
Ad-supported and
Ad-free options
Hulu provides two subscription options, supported and ad-free. As both are different prices, users can select a plan based on their preferences and budgets.
Live TV
The Hulu + Live TV add-on provides users with over 65 channels that cover news, sports, and entertainment.
Download &
Watch Offline
Users can download their favorite shows and watch them offline by downloading them.
Multiple
User Profiles
Users can create up to six user profiles with one account. With each profile will be personalized viewing histories and recommendations for future watching.
Parental
Controls
Hulu provides age-appropriate restrictions for parents to implement on children’s profiles to limit their access.
Disney+
Disney+ is one of the market leaders for streaming services, rising in popularity during lockdown with its 2020 release date. The platform provides an extensive collection from the Walt Disney Company, with old classics, Disney Channel favorites, and recent additions of TV shows, films, and documentaries available for an eclectic audience to enjoy.
Here are Disney+ most recent figures regarding
revenue and commercial success;
Here are Disney+ most recent figures regarding revenue and commercial success;
Subscribers As of 2022
Disney+ (core)
Disney+ Hotstar
Hulu
Total of
ESPN+
Revenue as of 2022 Q4
including Disney+, Hotstar, and ESPN+, but excluding Hulu
As Disney owns parts of services such as Hulu, the number differs slightly from other streaming platforms. Disney+ has the most subscriptions across platforms, but with different services and various add-ons, the platform hasn’t entirely surpassed Netflix. However, we have a feeling it isn’t too far behind.
Entertainment
Offerings:
Disney+ has an exciting, growing range of entertainment available with a membership;
The Walt Disney Company has many studios under its wing, so Disney+ has an immense movie library for subscribers. Users can enjoy Marvel, National Geographic, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, with popular titles including Star Wars, Toy Story, The Avengers, The Lion King, and many more box office favorites.
Like the exciting movie selection, Disney+ provides access to multiple networks’ show selections. Users can enjoy shows from Disney XD, Disney Channel, National Geographic, and some Hulu shows with a Disney+ subscription.
with Disney+ subscription user can enjoy many shows
Disney XD, Disney Channel, National Geographic, and some Hulu shows with a Disney+ subscription
A few notable performances include The Mandalorian, Lizzie McGuire, The Simpsons, Only Murders in The Building, and The Kardashians.
Disney+ has a growing collection of original shows and movies exclusively available on the platform. These shows include; Soul, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, WandaVision, and Luca.
Key Features
Ad-free
streaming
Disney+ has ad-free streaming available.
Multiple User
Profiles
A Disney+ account enables users to create up to seven user profiles, with personalized viewing history and recommendations for each profile.
Download &
Watch Offline
Similarly to other streaming platforms, users can download and watch content offline if they don’t have internet connectivity.
Parental
Controls
Disney+ has parental controls to ensure children’s profiles can only access age-appropriate content.
Group Watch
Disney+ has an innovative GroupWatch feature that allows friends and family with Disney+ accounts to watch content simultaneously from different locations. As you can imagine, this feature was prevalent during lockdown!
Premier Access
For an additional fee, users can access premium content.
Max
Max is a streaming service that is a merger between HBO Max and Discovery + that has something for everyone, including TV, movies, documentaries, and original shows. The subscription-based platform has an extensive entertainment collection and is one of the most popular streaming services in the States.
Here are some of the revenue figures of
Max Streaming service
Here are some of the revenue figures of Max Streaming service
subscribers as of 2022
(including Discovery) revenue as of 2022 Q4
Entertainment
Offerings HBO
Ad-free
streaming
HBO Max is an ad-free streaming platform.
Multiple User Profiles
Under one account, up to five separate user profiles can be made, giving users personalized recommendations and viewing histories.
Download &
Watch Offline
Users can download shows and content to watch offline without an internet connection.
Live TV
Users can enjoy live TV programming from channels like Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, and TNT.
Parental Controls
Parents can implement age-appropriate restrictions to prevent children from accessing older content.
Entertainment
Offerings Discovery
Discovery+ is the ideal channel for anyone who loves reality TV, providing access to shows such as 90 Day Fiancé, Property Brothers, Fixer Upper, and Chopped.
On the other hand, users can enjoy diverse documentaries that cover various exciting topics, from science to nature, technology, history, and more. A few notable offerings include; Shark Week, Planet Earth, Deadliest Catch, and Mythbusters.
Although Discovery+ provides many TV favorites, it also has original shows and movies that users love. Some of the most popular original content includes; Home Town Takeover, Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines, and 90 Day Fiancé.
Key Features for Both
Ad-free
streaming
Both Max and Disocvery+ have ad-free streaming.
Multiple User Profiles
Up to five user profiles can be made when starting one account, with personalized recommendations and viewing history in each user profile for a unique viewing experience.
Download &
Watch Offline
Users can download content to watch offline when they don’t have an internet connection, providing a helpful setup for traveling.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is another popular subscription-based streaming service that provides a variety of entertainment, such as documentaries, movies, and original content from multiple networks under the ViacomCBS umbrella.
The platform has rebranded its highest-priced subscription, Paramount+ with Showtime. This plan’s pricing will rise by $2 per month, with Showtime’s dedicated OTT service shuttered to accommodate the new and improved plan.
subscribers as of 2022
(including Discovery)
revenue as of 2022 Q4
Entertainment
Offerings:
Paramount+ has various forms of entertainment available with a subscription;
Paramount+ has a great range of popular classic and more recent TV shows, such as; Star Trek, CSI, The Twilight Zone, The Brady Bunch, The Stand, Why Women Kill, and iCarly. Whether you wish to watch 80s-centric entertainment or live in the 21st century, this platform has you covered.
Similarly to the TV show offerings, Paramount+ has a versatile movie selection consisting of recent blockbusters, classics, and exclusive content.
- Mission: Impossible
- Top Gun
- Godfather
- A Quiet Place Part II
Paramount+ has an exciting collection of exclusive content available with the streaming service that continues growing.
Notable, popular content includes; Star Trek: Discovery, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run, Infinite, and The Good Fight.
Key Features
Ad-free
streaming
Paramount+ provides ad-free streaming.
Multiple
User Profiles
With one Paramount+ account, users can create up to six user profiles with unique features such as personalized recommendations and viewing histories.
Download &
Watch Offline
With a Paramount+ account, users can download their favorite content to watch it offline without an internet connection.
Live TV
Live programming such as Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and CBS are available with a Paramount+ account.
Parental Controls
Parents can implement age-appropriate restrictions on child profiles to ensure their children can only access child-friendly content.
Peacock
Peacock is a subscription-based streaming service that provides viewers with an extensive range of entertainment content, such as movies, TV shows, original content, and documentaries. The platform had a highly successful 2022 regarding the number of subscribers and the service’s popularity, but there were significant losses when evaluating profits.
Here are some of the revenue figures of
Peacock Streaming service
Here are some of the revenue figures of Peacock Streaming service
subscribers as of 2022
revenue as of 2022 Q4
As Peacock brings multiple networks to viewers TV’s, the platform has faced significant losses in the last twelve months. In 2023, it’s expected the platform will have its worst year yet regarding further losses. However, it’s not all bad, as the platform has a steady 20 million subscribers that can hopefully be retained through the versatile channel collection available.
Entertainment
Offerings:
Peacock has an exciting range of entertainment available;
Peacock has an extensive, versatile collection of TV shows from various networks like USA Network, NBC, and Bravo.
Users can watch some of the most famous American TV shows such as Yellowstone, Law & Order, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and many more.
Peacock has a wonderful movie selection, ranging from recent releases to classics and exclusive content.
With a range of movies such as The Bourne Identity, Jurassic Park, and Do the Right Thing spanning an eclectic number of genres, users can be sure to find a film they love.
Alongside industry favorites, Peacock also has a growing collection of content made exclusively for the platform, with movies and TV shows such as Saved by The Bell, Girls5eva, Brave New World, and Dr. Death.
Key Features
Ad-supported and
Ad-free options
Users can opt for either the ad-supported Peacock subscription or ad-free, depending on their preferences and budget.
Live Sports
Peacock lets users watch their favorite live sports events, from NFL games to Premier League soccer matches and the Tokyo Olympics.
Multiple
User Profiles
Users can create up to six user profiles with one account, providing each profile with personalized features such as recommendations and viewing histories.
Download &
Watch Offline
Users can download content to watch it offline without an internet connection.
Parental
Controls
Parents can set age-appropriate restrictions to stop children from accessing inappropriate content.
Major Players
with Unknown
Data
While the above streaming services are popular and provide users with excellent viewing options, you’ll notice that some significant platforms are missing. Their absence is due to unknown data surrounding their revenue, so we can’t include them in our ranked list.
However, as these streaming services are so huge in relation to the industry, we’ve included a rundown below;
Amazon Prime
Video
While we don’t have access to precise figures regarding Amazon’s revenue, we know there are over 200 million Prime members. Amazon Prime is more prominent than just Prime Video, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that 200 million people are using Amazon solely for watching purposes. Still, we can assume the figure is pretty high.
Amazon Prime Video has a great selection of TV shows ranging from classics like The Sopranos to popular recent creations such as The Boys. Other popular, notable mentions include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Office, Seinfeld, The Expanse, Jack Ryan, and Hunters.
Amazon Prime Video offers a diverse selection of movies, from classic and international titles to recent releases. Users can enjoy movies included with their Prime subscription price or rent and buy films through Prime too. Hundreds of genres, such as horror, comedy, romance, and drama, are included with a Prime Video membership, with popular films including Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Knives Out, Coming 2 America, and House of Gucci.
Amazon Prime Video continues to grow its exclusive, original content that is only available with a subscription. Popular original shows and movies include The Big Sick, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things, The Underground Railroad, and Invincible.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ doesn’t report its subs or revenue, but it can be assumed that millions of people across the globe use Apple TV+ as a result of owning Apple products.
Apple’s total services revenue in December was an estimated $20.8 billion, a record-breaking figure.
Although Apple TV+ has a smaller collection of TV shows than other market leaders, the available shows are high-quality. The selection includes critically acclaimed series such as The Morning Show, For All Mankind, Defending Jacob, and Ted & Lasso.
Apple TV+’s movie selection is also limited, but users can access popular titles with their subscription, such as Greyhound, Cherry, and Palmer. If users would like to purchase recent releases, they can do so via Apple TV+, but this is an additional fee not included in the membership.
Apple TV+ has an exciting, growing collection of exclusive original movies and shows, like Central Park, Wolfwalers, Trying, and Mythic Quest.
Conclusion
The streaming entertainment industry is a lucrative, constantly growing sector that shows no signs of slowing down. With billions of dollars of revenue from giants such as Netflix and Disney+, millions of TV and movie fanatics across the globe invest in these platforms, enjoying their favorite shows and cult classics that are constantly added and updated.
Netflix is leading the market, with a recorded $7.852 billion revenue as of 2022’s fourth quarter. One of Netflix’s most appealing factors is its exclusive content, which can only be accessed with a membership. Therefore, when clips of shows go viral or high-profile actors are cast, those interested must create a membership to view the content.
A good example of this is with Wednesday, a Netflix original series starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams.
The series was released in November 2022 and gained massive traction on social media, motivating keen fans to binge-watch the series.
As a result, the series debuted at number 1 in 83 countries, with an estimated combined watch time of 6 billion minutes within its first week of release, the second-highest streaming week recorded by Neilsen Media Research.
As these figures suggest, Netflix’s original content is highly appealing and gives it an edge over other streaming platforms. We could pinpoint this down to the fact Netflix has had longer in the industry than the likes of Disney+, with most of Disney’s viewers starting memberships to indulge in their childhood favorites or access an extensive, highly-rated movie selection.
However, all streaming platforms are becoming more adventurous with their original content, which could see revenues continue to increase when these shows gain traction through social media and consumer hype. An example of this is Apple TV+. Despite being a smaller streaming service than others covered, many people view the platform’s original content, such as The Morning Show, providing evidence that investing in high-quality, original content could be one of the best ways of appealing to wider audiences.
On the other hand, streaming platforms such as Hulu and Max show that providing live TV access can appeal to consumers, reflected by their revenue, as live TV subscriptions are higher. Of course, these platforms offer TV shows and movies, but their main unique factors are their live TV offerings that you can’t access with the likes of Netflix.
Overall, much discussion can be had regarding streaming services and their revenue, but it’s clear that Netflix is still the platform to beat.
What is the most popular app for streaming?
The most popular app for streaming currently is Netflix. It has a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, making it a favorite among millions of users worldwide.
What is the cheapest streaming service?
The cheapest streaming service currently available is probably Peacock, which offers a free ad-supported plan with limited content. However, it’s worth noting that the availability and pricing of streaming services can vary depending on your location and the specific content you’re looking for. It’s always a good idea to compare different streaming services and their pricing plans to find the best option for your needs.
What is the most expensive streaming service?
The most expensive streaming service currently is likely to be Max, which offers a wide range of premium content, including exclusive shows and movies. However, it is important to note that streaming service prices can vary depending on location and promotional offers, so it is always recommended to check the latest pricing information before making a decision.
What features should I consider when choosing a streaming service?
When choosing a streaming service, consider the content library, streaming quality, device compatibility, offline downloads, pricing, and user interface. Make sure the service has a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Check for high-definition streaming and support for your devices. Offline downloads are useful for travel or limited internet access. Compare pricing and subscription plans for the best value. A user-friendly interface and intuitive search features enhance your viewing experience.
What is the best live TV streaming service?
The best live TV streaming service can vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Some popular options include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. It is recommended to research and compare the features, channel offerings, pricing, and user reviews of different streaming services to determine the best one for you.
How many streaming services does the average household subscribe to?
The average household subscribes to around 3-4 streaming services.
What is the best streaming service for people who dislike ads?
The best streaming service for people who dislike ads would be a subscription-based service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. These platforms offer a wide range of content without interrupting the viewing experience with advertisements. Additionally, some premium subscription tiers on platforms like Hulu and YouTube also provide ad-free options for a higher monthly fee. Ultimately, it depends on personal preferences and the specific content one is looking for, but subscription-based services are generally the best choice for an ad-free streaming experience.
How do I choose the best streaming service for me?
To choose the best streaming service for you, it’s important to consider a few factors.
- First, assess your entertainment preferences and determine what type of content you enjoy the most. Different streaming services offer varying libraries of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original programming.
- Next, consider your budget. Streaming services typically have different pricing plans, so it’s important to find one that fits within your financial means. Some services also offer free trials, which can be helpful in trying out the platform before committing to a subscription.
- Additionally, take into account the devices you own and the compatibility of the streaming service with those devices. Ensure that the service you choose is available on the platforms you frequently use, such as smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles.
- Lastly, read reviews and gather feedback from friends or family who may already be using streaming services. Their experiences and recommendations can provide valuable insights into the user interface, streaming quality, customer service, and overall user satisfaction.