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

Innovations In Content Discovery, Quality Key To Improving Users' Streaming Media Experience

As the lines between device makers, network operators, and content providers blur, the user experience has become more critical both as a point of competitive differentiation and a way to increase cus...

HBO Now Has 800,000 Paying Subscribers Since April Launch

“In the past year we keep seeing more and more services coming up, more niche services,” said Glenn Hower, an analyst with market research firm Parks Associates. There’s Netflix, which has been str...

What Can Yahoo's Online Video Assets Do For Verizon?

Distributing its video out to its various websites could be a boon to Yahoo. Parks Associates' Brett Sappington predicted that traditional magazines may make a leap to presenting their content via onl...

TV Producers May Make You Wait For New Shows Online

The changes are especially noticeable at Hulu, which is owned by parents of the very television networks — Fox, ABC and NBC — threatened by changes in the way we watch TV. Hulu has set itself apart by...

Phone:
972-490-1113
Mailing Address:
2301 West Plano Parkway, Suite 210, Plano, TX 75075
Expertise
Smart Home: Management and Safety Consumer Electronics Connected Health and Wellness Broadband Small-to-medium Business (SMB) Connected Health
Services
Research Services: Custom and Consulting Research Projects Streaming Video Tracker Security Tracker Smart Home Tracker
Events
CONNECTIONS™ CONNECTIONS™ Summit/CES Smart Energy Summit Connected Health Summit Future Of Video Smart Spaces Upcoming Industry Events
Resources
Press Releases Analyst Blog Parks in the News Connected Consumer Podcast 
About Us
Overview Team Contact Us
Store
View Your Cart

Follow Us to stay informed

© 2023-2026 Parks Associates. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Design & Developed By Agency Partner Interactive