The new and upcoming streaming services are creating a booming subscriber market. Digital TV Research’s “SVOD Platform Forecasts” study estimates the launch of Disney+, Apple TV+ and HBO Max next spring will help add 257 million subscribers to the market between 2019 and 2025.
There is a rivalry between these heavy hitters, but according to the study, Disney+, which launched on Nov.12, is expected to scoop the pool, amassing a total of 101 million subscribers by 2025. Adding to its appeal, the streaming service will include 25 new original series, 10-plus movies, 7,500 past episodes, 100 recent movies and 400 library titles from the Disney vault by the end of its first year.
Apple TV+ and HBO Max will bring up the rear, though their numbers are massive. Per the study, HBO Max will corral 30 million paying subscribers by 2025, while Apple TV+ is forecast to attract 27 million.
On the existing powerhouse front, Netflix will increase by 70 million subscribers to 235.6 million subscribers by 2025, but most of that growth is international, adding 6 million new subscribers in the U.S. The report predicts Amazon Prime Video will have around 135 million subs.
“Competition is intense, with several platforms ‘reclaiming’ content from others and with price wars in place,” Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research, said. “Furthermore, there are several exclusive distribution deals. Only 29% of Netflix’s subscribers will be in the US by 2025. The proportion will be as high as 80% for the younger HBO Max.”