Entertainment

The Rise of Streaming Platforms: What’s Next?

Everything has evolved with time and so has our screen-watching experience. Earlier we waited long to see the next episode of our favorite show or had to finish early to watch our favorite movie because of time limit, but now things have changed and all goes to OTT platforms! With each phone and TV aligned with various streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and others, almost everyone has command of their screen timings. Unlike before, now viewers don’t have to limit their approach; instead, they have access to worldwide entertainment.

Inception of Streaming Giants

When the world was dominated by cable TV, a small company called Netflix decided to make changes. Initially, they started by mailing DVDs to people’s homes but in the year 2007 they brought a revolution and launched their streaming service. Their idea proved to be a blockbuster and inspired other companies to do the same. Following the path OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO came to existence.  

Rise Of Netflix

Streaming Platforms

Taking baby steps to success, Netflix started its journey from a DVD rental service to a streaming giant. Like any startup, they also faced reluctance from clients but they continued on their path and finally excelled in the year 2013 when they ventured into original content with the release of the popular show ‘House of Cards’. The show was a massive hit and along with it Netflix also got recognition and more original series and movies, started streaming on it. Slowly it became a major player in the entertainment industry, as everyone wanted to collaborate with it. 

Competitors 

Joining the bandwagon, Amazon launched Amazon Prime Video in 2006, offering a limited selection of movies and TV shows. However, with time it also expanded its library and started bringing original content. After the two platforms became a part of everyone’s routine, Disney+ also marked its foot in the year 2019. The platform was filled with popular classics and new hits. Later HBO Max also joined in with its vast library of HBO content and Warner Bros. movies. In short, we could say that Netflix was the torchbearer when it came to streaming services existence. 

On-Demand Viewing

The advantage of streaming services is you can watch your favorite series or movie as per your schedule. You don’t have to juggle between your work hours and your show timings on television. Thanks to these streaming services now we have the freedom to watch whenever and whatever, almost like carrying a pocket-size home theatre!

Convenient

Smartphone holders love the experience of watching their shows at their convenience. No matter if you are traveling, commuting, or simply chilling at home, watching streaming videos as per desire is your own kind of comfort. The ability to switch between devices, resume from where you left off, and access content anytime adds to the seamless experience. Streaming platforms cater to diverse tastes, offering movies, series, documentaries, and live events, ensuring entertainment is always just a tap away.

Accessible on Many Devices

Take a subscription and enjoy the platform on multiple mediums. Be it your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV, simply log in and watch your favorite series or movies at your home or when juggling between your work. 

Game of Binge-Watching

The main art in this business is to keep viewers captivated. The exclusive shows and interesting storyline keep viewers hooked. Also, the trailer releases and precaps are a big reason why viewers can’t leave the platform and stick to it to complete the show or series. 

Social Event

Thanks to this binge-watching culture, watching shows and movies together on OTTs has become more like a social event, where friends and family come together to be a part of group entertainment. The online communities or fandoms of various shows come together to celebrate the success of shows and also share their ideas about upcoming episodes. 

Impact on TV and Movie Theaters

Streaming Platforms

Streaming services have heavily impacted the way of watching television and movies. Now instead of rushing to theatres, people like to watch the movie sitting at home on their smart TVs or phones. Since the OTTs arrived, a huge decline in attendance of moviegoers has been noticed. As movies sometimes get released on both the silver screen and on streaming platforms, it gives relaxation to people who like avoiding crowds. Also, the OTT option watching movies with as many people as possible, makes it a perfect option for large groups. 

Hybrid Release Model

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which initiated the hybrid release models. Popular movies like “Wonder Woman 1984” and “Black Widow” were simultaneously released in theaters as well as on streaming platforms. With this approach people watched movies in their environment and also it reached a broader audience. After analyzing the amazing results of this approach, everyone decided to continue this. 

International Content

Streaming services have surely brought the global entertainment industry together as it has provided viewers with some amazing shows and movies across the world like ‘Money Heist’ from Spain, ‘Dark’ from Germany, and ‘Squid Game’ from South Korea. They all have garnered huge appreciation and also attracted the attention of a global audience.

Uplifted Niche Streaming Services

They have also made way for the budding streaming services that cater to particular fans like Crunchyroll for anime fans, Shudder- for horror shows and movies, and Criterion Channel for classic film lovers. Now one can find their kind of shows on these particular platforms easily. 

What’s Next?

No one ever knew that watching movies and shows could become so easy but now that we have seen it happening we wonder what could be next. As per speculations, we can expect a more innovative and competitive platform that might include technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality. Sounds great isn’t it? Imagine an experience where you can feel yourself being part of the plot and action!

 

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