Streaming Wars 2024: Trends, Turbulence, and Potential Triumphs

Unraveling the Streaming Conundrum

The streaming landscape is entering another tumultuous year. Netflix, once the disruptor, is now at the center of a shifting paradigm. As 2024 unfolds, six significant trends are set to shape the fate of streaming services.

1. Ad-supported Streaming Takes Center Stage

As streaming services grapple with the challenge of profitability, ad-supported models gain prominence. Premium video platforms, including the likes of Paramount, Amazon, and others, are rolling out ad-supported versions to cater to a broader audience. This not only secures subscribers unwilling to pay full price but also allows services to subtly increase prices for ad-free tiers. The rise of fast channels, entirely reliant on ads, further illustrates this shift.

• Points:
  • Paramount and Amazon: 1 point each
  • All services with ad-supported tiers: 1 point each
  • Bonus point for Netflix for strong advertising trajectory

2. Rebundling for Value and Stickiness

In the quest for sustainability, streaming services are exploring rebundling strategies. Collaborations and bundles offer a better value proposition, aiming to keep subscribers engaged year-round. Disney’s bundling of Hulu content with Disney Plus exemplifies this trend, with others like Verizon, Paramount, and Apple exploring similar avenues.

• Points:
  • Bundled Max and Disney Plus + Hulu: 2 points each
  • Others in the rebundling space: 1 point each

3. AI’s Role in Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a potent force in the streaming realm. While all major streamers invest in AI to analyze user data and predict preferences, Netflix stands out for its extensive research papers and transparency in this domain. The true impact of AI on user engagement and content creation remains to be seen.

• Points:
  • Netflix: 1 point for commitment to AI research

4. Sports Streaming Gains Momentum

The exclusive streaming of premium sports events is becoming a focal point for streaming services. YouTube TV’s significant investment in NFL Sunday Ticket, Prime’s success with Thursday Night Football, and Apple’s endeavors in various sports indicate a shifting landscape. Peacock’s streaming of the first-ever NFL wild card game marks a historic streaming achievement.

• Points:
  • Peacock: 3 points for NFL wild card success
  • Amazon: 2 points for continued sports investment
  • Paramount: 1 point for sports coverage

5. The Resurgence of Streaming Reruns

Classic shows continue to hold massive appeal, but the resurgence of streaming reruns is gaining traction. The success of “Suits” on Netflix, a show that had concluded in 2019, demonstrates the enduring power of old content. Netflix leads in capitalizing on this trend.

• Points:
  • Netflix: 2 points for leading in streaming reruns

6. Anticipated New Shows Define Success

Producing captivating new shows is crucial, especially as streaming services face a pullback in spending. Variety’s analysis of the most anticipated shows in 2024 places Netflix at the forefront with eight shows on the list. Disney, with a combined presence on Disney Plus and Hulu, also commands attention.

• Points:
  • Netflix: 2 points for most anticipated new shows
  • Disney and Hulu: 2 points for combined presence

Final Scoreboard

1. Netflix: 8 points
2. Peacock: 3 points
3. Bundled Max, Disney Plus + Hulu, Amazon, Paramount: 2 points each
4. All services with ad-supported tiers: 1 point each
5. Others in the rebundling space, Sports Coverage: 1 point each
6. Verizon, Apple: 0 points (yet to make significant strides)

The streaming war of 2024 unfolds with Netflix poised for resurgence, embracing advertising and retaining viewer attention with a mix of reruns and anticipated new content. As the battle intensifies, only time will reveal the true victors in this ever-evolving entertainment landscape.