Streaming services and modern media have completely changed the ways we watch content. The days in which we had to wait patiently for the exact moment a show would air live or even have to rush to purchase the newest movie on DVD just so that we could watch it in the comfort of our homes are now over. Today, services such as Netflix, Disney +, Max, Hulu, and many others allow us to watch our favorite shows and movies wherever and whenever we want. Thanks to streaming services, “43% of US TV watchers say they binge-watch more than 3 episodes of a show at a time while 19% of US TV watchers prefer streaming a series with scheduled weekly releases”(28 streaming statistics and trends for 2025: Bundles, subscriber churn, and everything in between) Also, other forms of social media such as YouTube and TikTok allow for live streaming that any average person can get into and start producing content which has shaped the way we consume and interact with content.
With all of the streaming services out there, there is sure to be a show for everyone. In fact, people can make their own content and become influencers without requiring much talent whatsoever. On apps such as YouTube or even TikTok, users can go live and receive donations from fans for doing whatever it is they are doing to entertain their followers according to Adsterra, “More popular streamers with an established audience can earn an average of $8,000 per month, with additional income from sponsorships and product sales during streams”. If going live is not your thing, however, posting videos your audience is interested in can enable you to make a living without having to do as much work as your 9-5 if you are good at it. Streaming has made a huge impact on people’s lives and goes to show how much it is dominating the entertainment industry as we know it.
We are now able to watch entire seasons of shows in just a matter of how you want to binge them instead of having to wait days to weeks until the next episode comes out. This development completely changes how we can spend our free time. You can watch your favorite shows on anything you want as well, whether it’s on a phone, iPad, computer, or smart TV, your favorite shows will be there waiting for you. This makes entertainment so much more convenient with it being able to be accessed wherever and whenever at our fingertips.
However, an issue with streaming services has made itself apparent and has caused many to become discouraged from using them. The issue that has arisen is the cost. Subscribing to multiple services will become costly, and if your favorite shows are all on different platforms you are sure to spend a fortune on subscription fees. According to The Wrap, “The average U.S. citizen spent $42.38 on streaming services each month — which comes out to $508.56 over the course of a full year.” These numbers show the dent that streaming services will make in your pocket over a year. However, it is still clear that streaming services are the future of entertainment and they will grow and evolve as they continue to make entertainment easier to access and much more personalized for everyone’s needs.
