Hey there! If you‘re like most people nowadays, you probably have subscriptions to multiple streaming platforms for watching movies, TV shows, sports and more. But with new services launching all the time, have you ever wondered just how many are out there?
In this post, I‘ll give you a detailed rundown of the major streaming categories and providers available in 2023 so you can see the full scope of options. I‘ll also share statistics on how many services the average person uses, cost comparisons, and more.
So whether you‘re looking to add to your personal streaming lineup or just curious about the booming industry, read on for a comprehensive look!
Contents
The Streaming Revolution
It‘s hard to believe streaming has only become mainstream in the last 15 years or so. Rewind to the early 2000s, and your entertainment choices were still dominated by cable TV, physical media like DVDs, and over-the-air broadcast networks.
But fast forward to today, and streaming reigns supreme! What changed?
Broadband internet became widespread in the late 2000s, providing the speeds and bandwidth that made on-demand streaming practical. Netflix and Hulu launched their first subscription streaming services in 2007 and 2008, marking the start of the revolution.
Some key advantages of streaming drove rapid adoption:
- Lower cost – No expensive cable or satellite packages
- On-demand viewing – No schedules or appointments to watch
- Original content – Streaming services produce exclusive shows and movies
- Mobile access – Watch anywhere on phones, tablets, laptops
Streaming was also a huge boon for content creators, providing:
- Direct audience access – No network middlemen
- Valuable viewer analytics – Optimizing content based on data
- New distribution channel – Chance for niche programs to thrive
These advantages fueled exponential growth. Globally, streaming industry revenue skyrocketed from just $15 billion in 2016 to over $50 billion by 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption even more.
So in just over a decade, streaming has moved squarely into the mainstream. But with new services constantly launching, how many options exist today? Let‘s take a look…
Video Streaming Services
For on-demand movies, TV shows, documentaries and other video, these major services dominate the landscape:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Apple TV+
- Paramount+
- Peacock
Beyond those big players, analysts estimate there are over 200 niche video streaming services worldwide focused on specific genres, regions, and interests. These include:
- Horror – Shudder, Screambox
- British TV – Britbox, Acorn TV
- Anime – Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Arthouse/Indie – Mubi, OVID
- Classic Movies – The Criterion Channel
New video streaming entrants launch regularly, though industry consolidation has also picked up pace. For instance, Discovery acquired WarnerMedia to combine services like HBO Max and Discovery+. Still, the video streaming field remains crowded.
Live TV Streaming Services
In addition to on-demand video, live TV streaming services offer online access to live channels and programs, mimicking a cable TV subscription.
Major players in this category include:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- FuboTV
- DirecTV Stream
Consumers can get live access to news, sports, and other cable content without an expensive cable box. Over 100 platforms offer some form of live TV streaming now, though YouTube TV and Hulu lead the pack with over 5 million subscribers each.
Music Streaming Services
When it comes to audio streaming, these are the top music platforms:
- Spotify – 182 million premium subscribers
- Apple Music – Over 90 million subscribers
- Amazon Music – Over 100 million subscribers
- YouTube Music – Over 50 million subscribers
- Pandora – Over 42 million active users
- SoundCloud – Over 30 million monthly listeners
Dozens of niche music streaming services also exist focused on specific genres like classical, electronic dance music (EDM), jazz, metal, and more. Overall there are over 50 significant music streaming options available.
Gaming Streaming Services
Cloud gaming allows users to stream and play video games on-demand from the cloud. Top platforms in this emerging category include:
- Google Stadia
- Nvidia GeForce Now
- PlayStation Now
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
There are over 20 cloud gaming services already, though Xbox and Playstation dominate given their vast game libraries and fanbases. 5G networks will likely supercharge adoption of game streaming in the coming years.
Total Streaming Services
Adding up all categories – video, live TV, music, and gaming – experts estimate there are over 500 streaming services available globally!
That‘s a huge amount of choice. Yet despite this fragmentation, a handful of major players still dominate each sector in terms of subscribers and revenue:
- Video – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
- Live TV – YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV
- Music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music
- Gaming – Xbox Cloud Gaming, Playstation Now
These category leaders account for over 85% of streaming hours. Smaller services differentiate by appealing to niches.
Still, virtually everyone now uses streaming in some capacity…
Streaming Penetration by Generation
Per-capita usage of streaming continues to rise across all generations:
- Gen Z (born ~1997 to ~2012) – Average 2 to 3 hours of streaming daily
- Millennials (born ~1981 to ~1996) – Use 8 streaming services on average
- Gen X (born ~1965 to ~1980) – Typically subscribe to 3 services
- Baby Boomers (born ~1946 to ~1964) – The fastest growing streaming demographic
Younger groups tend to use the most services and stream the most hours. But even those aged 50+ are now adopting streaming rapidly.
Accessibility is improving across generations as costs incrementally decline and free, ad-supported tiers launch. For instance, Peacock and Paramount+ now offer free options.
As selection expands and platforms improve discovery, streaming engagement will continue rising across all ages.
Average Streaming Services per Person
So how many streaming services does the average person juggle in 2023? Surveys indicate:
- United States – 3 to 4 services per person
- Australia – 1 to 2 services per person
- Spain – 1 to 2 services on average
- South Korea – Most use 1 to 2 services
- India – Up to 10 services per user
Cost remains the main constraint, with most unwilling to spend over $30 per month. But virtually all regions have embraced multiple streaming subscriptions.
India is an outlier with nearly 10 services per user in some cases. This “budget-conscious” approach maximizes entertainment spending.
Overall, access to affordable high-speed internet correlates strongly with streaming service adoption globally.
Monthly Cost of Top Streaming Services
For consumers trying to maximize entertainment within a set budget, the cost of streaming services is often a deciding factor. Here are current monthly rates among top platforms:
Netflix
- Basic – $9.99
- Standard – $15.49
- Premium – $19.99
Disney+
- With ads – $7.99
- No ads – $10.99
- Bundle – $13.99 to $19.99
HBO Max
- With ads – $9.99
- No ads – $14.99
Hulu
- With ads – $6.99
- No ads – $12.99
- Live TV – $69.99
Amazon Prime Video
- Included – $14.99 monthly or $139 annually
- Video only – $8.99
The average monthly cost of major streaming services now sits around $10 to $15. Niche services are typically pricier.
Carefully evaluating options and targeting a few services that best match interests and budget is key. Splitting costs among family or friends also helps reduce the streaming burden.
Maximizing Your Streaming
The streaming landscape offers more choice than ever before across video, TV, music and gaming. With so many services competing for your attention (and dollars), it can feel overwhelming to navigate.
Here are my tips for streamlining:
- Set a monthly budget and stick to it
- Identify 2 to 3 “must-have” services
- Evaluate add-ons judiciously
- Don’t be afraid to switch it up
- Take advantage of free trials
- Search for legal free streaming options
- Consider sharing logins with family or friends
Even on a budget, streaming allows customization of entertainment like never before. The breadth of content is staggering, with thousands of titles available across services. Staying organized is key, as is taking advantage of cost-saving strategies.
While streaming feels ubiquitous already, analysts forecast even faster growth ahead. Global revenue is projected to reach nearly $140 billion by 2027.
New services will continue launching, while consolidation also accelerates. Overall streaming engagement across video, music, gaming and beyond will inevitably continue rising in the years ahead.
We’ve come a long way from the days of broadcast and cable dominance! The streaming revolution has reshaped entertainment and content delivery forever. And with such a vast array of options at our fingertips, the future looks very bright.
So next time you’re browsing and debating which streaming services to use, remember just how many are actually out there! I hope this breakdown gave you a useful overview. Feel free to let me know if you have any other streaming questions.
Happy streaming!
