1. Tailored Packages
Several platforms currently offer streaming bundles. But in the future, you will likely have an even greater choice when it comes to tailoring the content you want access to.
Having the flexibility to choose the best streaming TV service to suit your viewing preferences is important. Rather than subscribing to an entire platform (and paying the price for it), you will be able to select the specific types of content you want. This slimmed-down service means that you only pay for the content you use.
Streaming services already collect a lot of data about your viewing preferences. They could easily use this information to offer highly-tailored streaming packages. It’s a win-win approach. You will only pay for the content you use while streaming services boost long-term subscriptions and reduce month-to-month switching.
2. Rise of Niche Platforms
A rise in the number of niche streaming services is also likely in the future.
In addition to the big players such as Netflix and Amazon, a range of niche streaming platforms have emerged over the last few years. Are you an anime fan? Crunchyroll has you covered. A musical theatre diehard? Try BroadwayHD. Or are you an Anglophile? Then BritBox is for you.
In fact, some of these smaller, special interest platforms have grown at a faster rate than the larger streaming services. A study by Antenna found that the growth rate of niche platforms was more than double that of the larger ones. It’s likely we’ll see more of them in the future.
This is good news for you because you will have access to a range of content to suit your tastes. You will be able to choose the best streaming subscription that offers the types of shows and movies you like best.
3. Interactive Content
TV streaming in the future will offer more interactive content, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite shows and movies.
Interactive TV enables you to actively participate in content by reacting to storylines and influencing the outcome of a series or movie using a remote, smartphone, or tablet. Netflix pioneered this space with a Black Mirror episode that enabled viewers to influence the dialogue and plot.
Following this success, the streaming giant has also developed several interactive “Choose Your Own Adventure” kids programs.
With viewers demanding more from their entertainment experiences, other streaming platforms will likely also develop the ability to provide interactive content to their subscribers.
4. Integration With Other Services
The size of TV streaming audiences makes the medium ripe for cross-over with other online services. As well as offering interactive content, internet streaming services will also integrate with other services, enabling you to shop, socialize, and more from the comfort of home.
For example, QR codes can be displayed on a cooking show, enabling you to instantly purchase cookware the contestants are using. Or, if you see a character on a new show wearing a dress you love, you can buy it via an on-screen QR code. The convenience this offers could become the next big selling point for TV streaming.
5. Better Deals
One of the main reasons TV streaming is so popular is because it represents excellent value for money. And that looks to continue.
Currently, TV streaming is a more affordable option compared to cable and other forms of entertainment. With low monthly subscription fees, no installation or equipment costs, and streaming service bundles, you can compare streaming services to find the best one for your budget.
But with a rising cost of living and free content available on platforms like YouTube and even TikTok, streaming services will need to reassess how they can offer better value for money. This could drive down the price of a monthly subscription, making streaming services cheaper or even free.
6. Free Streaming
Not only will the cost of subscriptions potentially decrease, but we may also see more platforms offer free streaming in the future.
Most internet streaming services currently operate on a subscription-based model, but some ad-supported streaming services are already available. Hulu has done this for some time, and Disney is preparing to launch an ad-supported subscription tier in late 2022.
This advertising doesn’t look like the traditional commercial break. Instead, platforms display targeted banner ads based on a viewer’s preference, like what you often see when you’re browsing the internet. By funding the service through ad sales rather than subscription fees, you can then access content for free.
7. Emphasis on Quality Over Quantity
The future of streaming will see an increased focus on providing you with quality content, rather than a lot of it.
Streaming services are known for their extensive content libraries. For some time, this has been a major selling point for the larger streaming providers. But high-quality content is more important than high-volume content. This includes a focus on more diverse and inclusive content.
Streaming platforms have started to respond to this shift in viewing preferences. With Netflix and Apple+ already producing their own award-winning content, other streaming services will likely follow suit. This will give you access to the best and latest content available.
8. Refreshed Content
Rather than screening classic shows and movies, streaming platforms will produce and distribute more remakes, sequels, and spin-off content.
This approach has proved popular so far. Netflix recently revived The Baby-Sitter’s Club, based on a series of hit novels and a movie from the 90s. The platform also has Fuller House, a sequel to the Full House series. And Disney+ released several new shows based around the Star Wars world.
Looking forward, streaming platforms will need to respond to viewer demand and reimagine classic content into new viewing experiences for their subscribers.
9. Virtual Reality Video Streaming
The ability to watch content with virtual reality (VR) technology could become a regular feature across streaming services.
VR viewing is an immersive experience that transports you into a simulated environment. In the context of internet streaming services, this technology would place you in your favorite show or movie, giving you a 360-degree view of a fictional world.
While it might sound futuristic, it’s already happening! Developed by Meta, the Oculus VR headset integrates with Netflix and Amazon so you can watch series and movies in VR. With companies like Google also working on at-home VR viewing technology, it’s likely more streaming services will offer this feature in the future.
10. Increased Mobile Viewing
More and more viewers are accessing content on their mobile devices, and streaming services will adapt to this trend.
Most streaming services already offer mobile and tablet-friendly apps. But with an increasing number of viewers using their smartphones to stream content, streaming platforms will need to think about how to enhance the experience. This could be in terms of higher-quality video, additional features, or even mobile-only streaming subscriptions.
Mobile viewing also presents an opportunity for streaming services. As most mobile devices have built-in, easy-to-use cameras, it’s even easier to provide interactive content on them.
The Future of TV Is TV Streaming
TV streaming has evolved in several ways since it first emerged as an alternative to commercial TV and cable 15 years ago. It’s clear that streaming services will continue to adapt to the market and thrive into the future—a win for users. This continued innovation will equal more choices and better prices for you.
