Just How BIG are the Major Streaming Platforms

In 2024, streaming video content is big business. This method of viewing content has fundamentally transformed the world of entertainment, disrupting traditional media models and reshaping how audiences consume content. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have moved viewers away from fixed schedules and physical media, introducing a world of on-demand access where users can watch what they want, whenever and wherever they like. This shift has expanded storytelling possibilities, with platforms investing heavily in exclusive and original content to draw in subscribers and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Beyond mere convenience, streaming has diversified entertainment offerings, granting a global stage to a wider variety of voices, genres, and perspectives. The effect on the industry is profound: traditional studios now race to launch their own streaming services, and independent creators find new opportunities to reach global audiences. As a result, streaming has not only redefined audience expectations but has also catalyzed a rapid evolution in content creation, viewing habits, and entertainment accessibility across the world. This article explores the top platforms leading this shift, examining their unique appeal, expansive libraries, and the competitive strategies shaping the future of streaming.

Here at FirestickUnlocked.com we have compiled a list of the Big Boys of the streaming industry. Here’s a closer look at the most popular streaming platforms as of October 2024, with insights into their subscriber base, catalogue size, subscription price and where their story began.

Streamings Main Players – October 2024

Netflix

• Subscribers: 247 million
• Library: Approx. 5,500 movies and shows; 500 original titles
• Cost: Basic – $9.99/month, Standard – $15.49/month, Premium – $19.99/month (U.S. pricing)
• Devices: Basic plan (1 device), Standard (2 devices), Premium (4 devices, 4K supported)
• Overview: Founded in 1997 as a DVD rental-by-mail service, Netflix shifted to streaming in 2007, pioneering the digital binge-watching model. With iconic originals like Stranger Things and The Crown, Netflix has grown to nearly 250 million subscribers. The service remains a global powerhouse by investing in international content and localized offerings, making it the broadest streaming platform in terms of reach and variety.

Disney+

• Subscribers: 146 million
• Library: Approx. 2,000 titles, 250+ originals
• Cost: Basic (ad-supported) – $7.99/month, Premium (ad-free) – $10.99/month
• Devices: Available on up to 4 devices with 4K for Premium tier
• Overview: Since its 2019 launch, Disney+ has soared by leveraging Disney’s extensive IPs, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. Notable originals such as The Mandalorian and WandaVision contribute to its growing catalogue, complemented by a unique bundle offering that includes Hulu and ESPN+. Family-friendly content remains Disney+’s mainstay, though collaborations with Hulu diversify its appeal to older audiences.

Amazon Prime Video

• Subscribers: Estimated 235 million (as part of Amazon Prime)
• Library: Over 24,000 movies and shows; numerous originals
• Cost: $8.99/month standalone, or included with Amazon Prime at $14.99/month
• Devices: Up to 3 devices streaming simultaneously
• Overview: Prime Video began in 2006, evolving alongside Amazon’s e-commerce empire to provide exclusive series and a mix of blockbuster movies. Amazon’s originals, such as The Boys and The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, contribute to its vast library. With a presence in nearly 200 countries, Prime Video capitalizes on Amazon’s logistics and reach, offering subscribers localized content and premium viewing options, such as add-on channels.

Max (formerly HBO Max)

• Subscribers: 96 million
• Library: Approx. 2,500 titles, spanning Warner Bros., HBO, and Discovery content
• Cost: Ad-supported – $9.99/month, Ad-free – $15.99/month, Ultimate Ad-free (4K) – $19.99/month
• Devices: Ad-supported and Ad-free plans allow streaming on up to 2 devices; Ultimate allows 4 devices
• Overview: Rebranded from HBO Max in 2023 to incorporate Discovery+ content, Max combines premium TV series with a high-quality movie catalogue. Known for acclaimed originals such as Game of Thrones and Succession, Max caters to a mature audience seeking premium content. Its 2023 rebranding added Discovery’s lifestyle shows, broadening appeal and diversifying its content range.

Hulu

• Subscribers: 48 million
• Library: Over 1,700 titles, including network television
• Cost: Basic (ads) – $7.99/month, Premium (no ads) – $14.99/month, Live TV with ads – $76.99/month
• Devices: 2 devices with option to add more
• Overview: Launched in 2008, Hulu is a Disney-owned U.S.-focused service providing next-day access to network shows. Original hits like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building helped Hulu become a staple in U.S. streaming. Plans to integrate further with Disney+ are underway, likely enhancing its content and consolidating its place in the domestic market.

Paramount+

• Subscribers: 61 million
• Library: Approx. 2,500 titles from networks like CBS, BET, and Nickelodeon
• Cost: Essential (ads) – $5.99/month, Premium (no ads) – $11.99/month
• Devices: 3 simultaneous devices
• Overview: Paramount+ started as CBS All Access in 2014, rebranding in 2021. It attracts subscribers through an eclectic mix of live sports, kid’s content, and original series like Star Trek: Picard. The platform is expanding internationally, aiming to grow its viewership with a mix of exclusive shows and Paramount Pictures’ extensive film library.

Apple TV+

• Subscribers: Estimated 55 million
• Library: Around 150 original titles
• Cost: $9.99/month
• Devices: 6 simultaneous devices, supports 4K
• Overview: Apple TV+ launched in 2019, focusing on high-quality, original programming over a vast catalogue. While smaller in scale, its selective approach has yielded critical hits like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. Apple TV+ stands out for its premium production quality, often receiving industry accolades and nominations, distinguishing it as a boutique but impactful service in the streaming landscape.

Peacock

• Subscribers: 28 million
• Library: Approx. 1,200 movies, 250 series
• Cost: Free tier (limited content), Premium with ads – $5.99/month, Premium Plus (ad-free) – $11.99/month
• Devices: Up to 3 devices
• Overview: Comcast launched Peacock in 2020, blending free and paid tiers with NBC Universal content like The Office, sports, and live news. Peacock’s flexible model and partnerships with Universal Pictures aim to capture a broad audience, with exclusive movies and a growing list of originals helping distinguish it from other platforms.

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