Apple TV+ Reportedly Focusing on More Original Content After ‘Ted Lasso’ Success
Apple TV+ is exploring new strategies to keep its 40 million subscribers interested. Only about half of Apple TV+ subscribers are paying, while the others are using a free trial. With the purchase of a new Apple product, you can get a free three-month subscription to the streaming service.
Though Apple TV+ still appears to be straggling behind bigger services, like Netflix and HBO Max in the streaming wars, the future looks bright. The streaming service is reportedly changing its content strategy, hoping to get more subscribers on board.
Previously, Apple was reportedly interested in licensing shows and movies, as well as buying studios or sports rights. Other streaming services have gone this route for exclusivity. Sources reveal to The Information that Apple wasn’t one of the top contenders in talks with MGM Studios or the NFL for Sunday Ticket, however.
Now, the company has shifted gears and is reportedly focusing heavily on original content. According to The Information’s source, Apple plans to release at least one new title every week next year, more than doubling this year’s pace. Previously, the company was set on quality rather than quantity. The downside is that this left subscribers with fewer shows and movies to watch.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a subscription video streaming service for $9.99 a month that includes high-quality original shows and movies including Best Picture winner “CODA,” popular sitcom “Ted Lasso,” and dramas like “The Morning Show” and “Severance.” Apple TV+ is also home to MLB baseball games on Friday nights and MLS Season Pass.
Apple has already seen success with original content. Ted Lasso has proven to be a major hit for Apple TV+ with its second season drawing in the streaming service's largest audience yet. The series is nominated for a total of 20 Emmy awards.
In addition to adding new content to its library, Apple is reportedly increasing its marketing budget with plans to spend $500 million this year. Apple hasn’t revealed how much was previously spent on marketing, however. With more money to spend on marketing, Apple will continue to promote the service, in general, as well as the many new titles to be released next year.
Only time will tell whether Apple TV+ is going to be able to compete with top streaming services. A steady flow of new content may be exactly what the company needs to draw in more subscribers and keep existing ones around.