Comparing streaming services based solely on subscriber numbers is not a fair assessment as availability, content, ease of use, and app quality vary. The true measure of a streaming service’s value lies in whether it offers the content you want to watch.
Nevertheless, it’s interesting to analyze the top 10 streaming services globally based on subscriber counts. Here’s a breakdown of the leading streamers:
10. Starz: 15.79 million
Starz, the Lionsgate studio’s official streaming service, has amassed 15.79 million subscribers globally as of September 30, 2023.
9. Apple TV+: 25 million (estimated)
Apple TV+ likely has around 25 million paid subscribers, bolstered by exclusive content like MLS Season Pass and popular shows such as Ted Lasso and The Morning Show.
8. ESPN+: 26 million*
ESPN+ offers a mix of live sports and on-demand content, boasting 26 million paid subscribers as per Disney’s fiscal Q4 2023 earnings report.
7. Peacock: 31 million
Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, has seen significant growth, with 31 million paid subscribers by the end of 2023, driven partly by its affordability and Premier League coverage.
6. Hulu: 48.5 million
Hulu, now fully owned by Disney, has 43.9 million on-demand subscribers and 4.6 million live TV subscribers, accounting for a total of 48.5 million subscriptions.
5. Paramount+: 67.5 million
Paramount+ boasts 67.5 million subscribers globally, featuring a diverse range of content from CBS, Showtime, Nickelodeon, and more.
4. Max: 97.7 million (sort of)
Max, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, reported 97.7 million subscribers, comprising various direct-to-consumer services, and offering content like news, sports, and entertainment.
3. Disney+: 150.2 million
Disney+ has achieved 150.2 million worldwide subscriptions, including Disney+ Hotstar, offering a vast library of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
2. Amazon Prime Video: 200 million+
Amazon Prime Video, with over 200 million subscribers globally, offers an extensive library of movies, shows, live sports, and the convenience of bundled services through Amazon Prime.
1. Netflix: 269.6 million
Netflix leads the pack with 269.6 million paid memberships as of March 31, 2024, achieving global reach and offering a diverse range of content that resonates across borders.
