Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

In The News

Parks: Netflix Returns Atop U.S. SVOD Services in Subscribers

Netflix has supplanted Prime Video as the No. 1 subscription streaming VOD service in subscribers, according to new data from Parks Associates, based on estimated numbers of subscribers through September. The top two streamers switched positions from 2024, with Hulu taking the No. 3 spot over Disney+.

Hulu’s upward movement is due to its agreement with Charter to distribute the service to Charter Select subscribers and reflects the growing influence of broadband partnerships in the streaming landscape. The Charter deal highlights how distribution strategy, not just content, is an important factor in shaping market leadership, according to Parks.

Parks estimates that 91% of all U.S. internet households have a streaming service and 46% are now using free ad-based services, creating competition for subscription streaming services. Roughly 80% of leading SVOD players now operate a subscription plus advertising model.

“Hulu’s jump … is a result of smart distribution strategy,” Michael Goodman, senior contributing analyst at Parks, said in a statement. “The Charter deal gave Hulu instant access to millions of households, reinforcing how vital partnerships between broadband providers and streamers have become in defining the new entertainment bundle, and the ability to scale.”

Disney has made changes to its apps, integrating Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ and creating a unified ecosystem that amplifies cross-promotion and advertising potential. This convergence allows Disney to deliver a more targeted, data-driven ad experience and position its streaming portfolio as one of the most powerful advertising platforms in the market, according to Parks.

With Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly exploring strategic options, a potential sale to major streaming rivals Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video could further accelerate industry consolidation and reshape the balance of power, according to Goodman.

From the article, "Parks: Netflix Returns Atop U.S. SVOD Services in Subscribers" by Erik Gruenwedel

Previously In The News

How GF FDX™ and FinFET solutions are powering the next generation of Wi-Fi

Today, seamless connectivity is a necessity. We are moving to smarter homes and more connected devices, causing the demand for reliable and efficient Wi-Fi solutions to grow exponentially. In fact, ac...

Celebrating Innovation in Property Technology: 2025 Awards

Today marks an important milestone as Parks Associates unveils the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Property Innovation Awards. These honors celebrate properties and teams making significant strides...

Parks Associates Unveils 2025 Property Innovation Award Nominees

In an exciting reveal, Parks Associates has announced the nominees for the third annual Property Innovation Awards. This prestigious event recognizes the forefront of innovation in multifamily proptec...

Consumer Interest Grows for Monthly AI Home Assistant Services

Parks Associates' compelling study finds that between 42% and 52% of consumers are inclined to subscribe to a monthly service for an AI smart home assistant that provides essential features such as sa...