When we talk about the big streaming services, we always seem to mention Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Of course, there are huge companies still readying to take the plunge into streaming video like Apple and Disney, not to mention fledgling services like WB’s DC Universe, but for the most part, the talk seems to revolve around the big three. So, when Parks Associates reveals its top 10 US Subscription OTT Video Providers for 2018 (via The Wrap), some surprising names appear.
As expected the top three are Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, in that order. However, after Hulu, things get interesting. HBO Now, based on the strength of original series like “Game of Thrones” is a solid #4. Despite being beholden to content from only one network (combined with a steadily rotating selection of films), HBO Now has become a contender in the 21st Century Streaming Wars.
Coming in at #5, is…Starz?
That’s right. The drop off between 4 and 5 is steep, as the cable network Starz rounds out the top five of 2018. Starz, of course, is built on a steady stream of rotating films and original content (much like HBO), but with far less fanfare. That being said, shows like “Outlander,” “American Gods,” and “Power” seem to be giving Starz enough eyeballs to become the dark horse in the streaming fight.
The bottom half of the top 10 is fairly surprising, as CBS All Access shows up (thanks in no small part to “Star Trek: Discovery,” no doubt) at #8, even though I have yet to find someone who actually pays for the service. MLB.TV, Major League Baseball’s streaming service that has been around for years, comes in at #6, followed by Showtime (in the same boat as Starz and HBO, as far as content) at #7. Rounding out the top 10 are live TV services Sling TV and DirecTV Now.
READ MORE: AMC Network Doesn’t Want To Join The Streaming Wars
Interestingly, YouTube Premium, which has paid a lot of money to locally-grown creators (and recently big names like Susan Sarandon), fell out of the top 10 in 2018. Also not on the list is Facebook’s streaming video service, however, that’s not subscription-based, so therefore isn’t counted.
What this top 10 really shows is how primed the landscape is for the big guns to rule, such as Apple, Disney, and WarnerMedia. Outside of the big three, the competition seems to be slim. We’ll have to see how the streaming landscape changes in 2019 with the introduction of these new massive services.
