Is it safe to say traditional TV is dying? I say this because not only is streaming taking over, but the streaming field is getting crowded. There’s You Tube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO Go, and that’s just to name a few.
Netflix is winning the streaming war, but barely. In the last year, Netflix and You Tube have been neck and neck in competing for the hearts and wallets for a hungry streaming public. By November 2015, Netflix had a slight edge. But both Netflix and You Tube had a huge edge over competitors Amazon, Hulu and HBO Go. In the past year, 51% of Americans say they used Netflix. You Tube placed slightly lower. Less than 30% polled say they ever used Hulu or Amazon for streaming. HBO Go placed last. Around 15% of Americans polled said they haven’t used this service in the past year. The survey is conducted by RBC Capital Markets. Many credit Netflix’s top rise due to it’s original shows. Recently, You Tube announced it’s ad-free service called You Tube Red. For $9.99 a month, viewers can watch all the You Tube shows they want with no ads. Will it be worth it? I guess only time will tell.
Both Netflix and You Tube have unique things to offer. Yes, Netflix offers great shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. These shows have won big time awards. But You Tube offers something even greater: the opportunity for anybody to be a star! It offers the housewife with two crazy kids and crazier husband to become a household name. It offers gaming experts to teach the whole world that craft. You Tube has introduced us to many rising stars over the years. But then again, we watch shows by the season and catch up with Netflix; we also see really great new shows there. So who will win this streaming battle? Can’t we have both?