Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Americans Now Spend Just $64 a Month on Streaming Down From $90 in 2021

Recent research from Parks Associates, presented at the StreamTV Show in Denver, CO, highlights a significant trend: spending on streaming services has dropped by 30%, with the average U.S. household now spending about $64 per month on OTT (Over-The-Top) SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) services, down from $90 in 2021.

This shift reflects a broader reevaluation of entertainment budgets. According to Sarah Lee, Research Analyst at Parks Associates, “Consumers are spending less, but rather than go without, many are using ad-based alternatives to save on costs. A service needs to provide unique and ongoing value if it is to charge a premium.”

The data from Parks Associates indicates that households are subscribing to fewer services. In early 2024, only 20% of U.S. households reported paying for nine or more services, down from 29% in late 2023. The average number of streaming subscriptions per household has also fallen below five. Additionally, 32% of households that cancelled a service in the past year did so to reduce expenses.

Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, pointed out that all household services face challenges as consumers reassess their spending. “As consumers become more selective about their subscriptions, services that can offer a compelling mix of content and an excellent user experience will stand out. Educational content, ease of use, and seamless integration across devices are key factors that will influence consumer decisions,” she explained.

From the article, "Americans Now Spend Just $64 a Month on Streaming Down From $90 in 2021" by James Guttman

Previously In The News

As ‘Game of Thrones’ Returns, Is Sharing Your HBO Password O.K.?

The effect on the companies’ bottom lines remains unclear, but a study by Parks Associates, a research group, found that sharing cost the streaming video industry $500 million in 2015. One reason t...

Smart thermostats are tough sell, but ComEd hopes rebates boost interest

A study released this month by Parks Associates found only 18 percent of consumers would buy a smart thermostat at $250, but offering a $100 rebate more than doubled the pool of interested buyers....

Comcast and Charter face a grim new reality: actual competition

“Across the nation, all sorts of internet service providers have gained two new competitors,” says Kristen Hanich, the research director for Parks Associates, referring to T-Mobile and Verizon. “They...

Too Much TV? Enter HBO Max, the Latest Streaming Wannabe

“People are going to look at the price point first,” said Steve Nason, research director at Parks Associates. HBO Max costs $15, same as the HBO Now streaming service it's supposed to replace, with di...