Streaming has become an indispensable part of daily life for countless individuals. It encompasses a broad array of entertainment choices, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. The growth of streaming services has been remarkable, and it continues to expand at an unstoppable pace. According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global video streaming market is projected to reach an astonishing USD 184.3 billion by 2027. This rapidly evolving industry is constantly influenced by fresh trends and state-of-the-art technologies, which are shaping an exhilarating future.
Best Trends and Innovations in Streaming
#1 Content fragmentation
As the number of streaming services and platforms continues to increase, content has become fragmented across various platforms. For instance, certain content may only be available on Netflix and not on Hulu or Disney+, owing to licensing and copyright concerns. This poses a challenge for viewers who must subscribe to multiple services to access all desired content. However, it also presents an opportunity for content creators and distributors to reach new audiences.
#2 Growth of FAST channels
The next streaming trend involves the growth of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV channels. FAST channels are considered a superior version of linear TV, providing scheduled content personalized to the viewer’s preferences, along with well-targeted ads. This creates an experience that closely resembles traditional TV.
#3 Increasing interest in foreign-language content
OTT platforms are seeking to expand their global audience by offering a greater variety of foreign-language content. For instance, in the second quarter of 2021, less than 2 percent of users demanded foreign-language videos, but a year later, the demand share had increased to more than 5 percent. Notably, Japanese language content on Apple TV+ experienced a significant boost from 0.5% in 2021 to 2.9% in 2022.
The trend was initiated by the South Korean series, ‘Squid Game,’ which has since sparked the interest of other platforms. Amazon Prime is now focusing on regional Indian series, while Disney+ plans to introduce Asian content in 2023. It is enough to use an online free VPN if you have problems with access. These developments are aimed at offering a more diverse and engaging viewing experience for users worldwide.
There is no doubt that digital entertainment, streaming in particular, will continue to evolve. At the same time, more and more companies and countries are interfering in the lives of users, limiting their access to foreign content. This will not be a problem for you if you learn to change regions. All it takes is a suitable VPN. With it, you can unlock access to any streaming service. It is enough to install a VPN for Netflix to open the entire library of the service. At the same time, you will be able to change your region for Twitch, Steam, and any other service.
#4 Nostalgia-driven content
While discovering new content remains important to many users, nostalgia continues to play a significant role in driving today’s media. This trend shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. Individuals who grew up during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s are currently investing the most time and money in streaming services. Consequently, reboots, sequels, and popular franchises based on the pop culture of their youth dominate the streaming landscape. Audiences continue to be drawn to comic book movies, while reboots such as Cobra Kai and Fuller House have proven to be successful.
#5 Short-form content
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly emerging as a dominant cohort in the American economy. It is crucial for businesses to connect with them on short-form video platforms, where they are most active.
One effective strategy that businesses have adopted is repurposing content from previous live streams and sharing it on platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Clips, and TikTok. By doing so, not only do they save time by not having to create original posts, but they also attract new viewers.
Short-form video posts offer an excellent way to promote streams, products, collaborations, merchandise, and events. Additionally, it is possible to promote or provide a sneak peek of short-form video content on the respective streaming platforms.
The future of streaming holds great promise, with endless possibilities on the horizon. With the surge in live streaming, the ever-increasing content diversity, and the thriving APAC region, businesses and organizations have a wealth of opportunities to connect with their audience and drive revenue. Analyzing streaming trends is vital for streaming services and companies seeking to tap into the potential of this dynamic medium.