Why Streaming Services Are So Popular and How They Have Changed the Media Landscape

              Over the course of these blogs, I have talked about how streaming services have been good and bad, how they've changed the media landscape, and what the future of streaming services looks like. Just to briefly recap some main points from each of these blogs: streaming services offer exclusive content from a variety of different IP's like HBO, Warner Bros. and Disney, however the prices to subscribe to those services have been rising while the quality of content is dropping. Streaming services have also changed how consumers behave. Going to the theatres or renting a DVD is less popular, and consumers tend to stay at home and watch something off of a streaming service. And streaming services aren't going anywhere as they continue to develop, and the companies aim for longevity. They are starting to go into "franchising" and establishing content that will get consumers invested. 

             My goal at the beginning of this blog was to figure out why streaming services are so popular, and how they have changed the media landscape. Streaming services are popular because they're convenient, cheaper, and get consumers invested. People no longer have to take the time to go to the theatres or the store or the library if they want to watch something. Instead, they can just go through their TV to pull up a streaming service and watch whatever they want. While it is true that streaming services are getting more expensive, it is still cheaper to have them instead of cable television. Consumers can pick and choose whatever services that they want to have, and they can easily switch them out at any time. Consumers also get invested in certain franchises and IP's. For example, Netflix has Stranger Things and Squid Games, Disney+ has The Mandalorian, and Paramount+ had Halo (this particular show didn't work out). These different shows get heavily marketed and have consumers get invested and stay subscribed to see what happens next. Streaming services have changed the media landscape significantly. As I previously mentioned, theatres and DVDs are much less popular. People prefer to stay home. As a result of this, there have been some instances where movies are being released straight to streaming services rather than getting a theatrical release. Advertisers are seeing people flock to streaming services rather than regular television, so they have followed suit. The main change to the media landscape is that media is more accessible than ever. You can watch shows from your tv, laptop, and phone. Essentially, media can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Some movies skip theatrical releases for streaming services
Source: The Movie Database

References:

• Mulan Poster. The Movie Database. (2020). https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/337401-mulan/images/posters