Exploring the Future of Internet Streaming Platforms

Stefan Džinić
Digital Reflections
6 min readJan 15, 2023

Internet streaming platforms are digital services that allow users to stream audio and video content from the internet. These services usually offer a wide range of content, from movies to television shows, music, original programming, and more. They are often subscription-based, with different levels of access and features depending on the service. Some services also offer the ability to purchase or rent content. Popular examples of internet streaming platforms include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Disney+, which launched in 2019 and is currently the fastest-growing internet streaming platform.

Internet streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we watch TV and movies. With the increasing demand for on-demand content, streaming services have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. In addition to offering a wide variety of content, streaming services have made it easier and more convenient to watch whatever you want, whenever you want.

Impact of streaming platforms

The impact that streaming platforms had on the entertainment industry has been enormous. Streaming platforms have changed the way consumers engage with and consume entertainment, providing viewers with access to vast libraries of content, often for a fraction of the cost of traditional cable/satellite packages. This has led to a shift away from traditional models of media distribution and consumption, which has had both positive and negative effects on the entertainment industry.

On the positive side, streaming services have opened up new revenue streams for studios and content creators, who can now monetize their content directly via subscriptions and advertisements. They have allowed for a wider variety of content to be available, encouraging viewers to try new shows and movies that they may not have otherwise watched on traditional television. On the negative side, streaming services have created a more competitive landscape for content creators and distributors. That is why streaming services can negotiate lower rates for the rights to stream a movie or TV show, which in turn means that the creators don’t get as much of a cut of the profits and there is less amount of money for their work. They are also making it more difficult for traditional media outlets to monetize their content and as a result, there is a decrease in traditional television subscriptions.

Here are the top five positive and negative sides from the customer’s perspective:

· Increased convenience: Streaming platforms offer an unprecedented level of convenience when it comes to enjoying entertainment. You no longer have to leave the house or even your seat to watch a movie or TV show. You can access shows and movies from any device with an internet connection.

· Increased availability: Streaming platforms provide access to a much larger library of content than traditional cable and satellite services. This means you have access to a wider variety of movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment.

· Reduced costs: Streaming platforms often offer subscription plans that cost less than traditional cable and satellite services. This means you can save money while still enjoying a wide range of entertainment.

· Improved quality: Streaming platforms often offer high-quality video and audio. This means you can enjoy a movie or show in the best possible quality.

· Increased Interactivity: Streaming platforms often offer interactive features such as the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward content. This means you can customize your viewing experience and enjoy a more engaging experience.

· Lack of ownership: Streaming platforms provide access to content, but users cannot own the content they watch.

· Cost: Streaming platforms can be expensive, and require monthly or annual subscription fees.

· Disconnection from the community: Streaming platforms are often used to watch films and shows alone, which can lead to a lack of connection with others.

· Lack of diversity: Streaming platforms can have limited selections of films and shows, and may not reflect a wide range of voices and perspectives.

· No offline access: Most streaming platforms require access to an internet connection, which means users cannot watch content when they are offline.

Will the future be bright?

In the near future, we can expect to see streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity and become the primary way people watch their favorite shows and movies. This is largely due to the increasing availability of high-speed internet, which has made streaming services much more attractive to consumers. We can also expect to see streaming platforms become more competitive as companies battle for market share.

At the same time, we can expect streaming platforms to continue to invest in original content. Netflix, for example, has already made a huge investment in original programming and is now one of the most successful streaming services in terms of content. Other streaming platforms will likely follow suit, investing in original content to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Finally, we can expect to see streaming services become more integrated with other services and platforms. Streaming services are already beginning to integrate with other services like virtual reality headsets, gaming consoles, and even home audio systems. This integration will only increase in the future, as streaming services try to make their content available across multiple platforms and devices.

Because the market is being more and more competitive companies are constantly introducing new features to try and differentiate themselves from the competition and stay ahead of the game. Here are some of the new features and strategies that are mostly being mentioned.

· More Content Variety

Streaming platforms are always looking for ways to expand their content library. This means offering a wider variety of movies and TV shows, as well as other types of content. This could include original programming, documentaries, stand-up comedy specials, and more. Many platforms are also beginning to offer live streaming services, such as sports, concerts, and other events.

· Improved search capabilities

Searching for content on streaming platforms can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To make the experience easier, streaming platforms are introducing improved search capabilities. This includes better filters, such as genre, release date, IMDb rating, and more. This allows users to quickly find the content they’re looking for without having to search through the entire library.

· Improved user interface

Streaming platforms are always looking for ways to improve their user interface. This includes making it easier to navigate, as well as introducing new features such as personalized recommendations and voice search. This allows users to search for content using voice commands, rather than having to type in keywords. This makes searching for content easier and more convenient, especially if you’re using a mobile device.

· Targeted advertising

Streaming platforms are also exploring targeted advertising as a way to generate more revenue. This involves placing ads on streaming content that is tailored to a specific user’s interests. This can be beneficial for streaming services, as it allows them to generate more revenue from users who are more likely to be interested in the products and services being advertised. How can this be implemented? There is a talk about allowing users to watch content for free with ads. This can be a great way for users to watch content without having to pay for a subscription and companies to still generate extra revenue.

· User-generated content

Streaming services are also exploring ways to make use of user-generated content. This involves allowing users to upload their videos and other content, which can then be shared with other users. This can be beneficial for streaming services, as it allows them to increase their user base and give users more control over the content they can watch.

These are just a few potential new features that are being mentioned around but as the competition continues to increase, companies will continue to introduce new features and enhancements to try and stay ahead of the game, attract the audience and earn more revenue.

Conclusion

Overall, the future of streaming platforms looks very bright. They are becoming increasingly popular and are only going to become more so in the coming years. Streamers will continue to invest in original content, compete for market share, and integrate with other services and platforms. All of this will create a more diverse and vibrant streaming landscape, which will benefit both content creators and consumers.

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