Streaming content is part of many peoples’ daily routines. They come home from school or work, grab a snack and turn on their favorite show they’re binge-watching. It’s weird to think that not too long ago, we weren’t able to turn on shows whenever we wanted. After all, streaming wasn’t something everyone had access to. When streaming became popular for its low prices, vast libraries of content, and no commercials, a refreshing change from seeing commercials every five minutes on cable channels.
However, we are currently deep in the era of streaming and it’s not what I pictured it would’ve turned into. People are getting kicked off of their accounts, prices are skyrocketing and advertisements are everywhere unless you pay more money to get rid of them. Streaming services are taking steps backwards and making it harder for people to enjoy the platforms. In my opinion, it is getting completely out of control. The future of streaming services seems bleak if the quality of streaming remains as it stands today.
A recent experience that left many frustrated was when Netflix attempted to curb password sharing preventing people from using their accounts if they weren’t all using the same Wi-Fi connection. This left family members, friends and college kids who shared accounts with no or limited Netflix access.
Around the same time, Netflix prices continued to rise– even for the most basic plan. Netflix was a streaming service that didn’t have commercials or advertisements until Nov. 2022. Starting that month, users were required to pay more for shows without ads. Even though Netflix made millions from accounts being made to combat the new account policy, they still raised prices and continued with advertisements.
Businesses are profit-focused, but streaming services are making money at the expense of worse experiences for users. Considering limited content and additional “upgrades,” such as no advertisements, it puts consumers in a weird position. Streaming services make viewing content miserable if you don’t upgrade your account in every possible way.
Some customers are furious enough with these decisions that they choose to cancel subscriptions for major platforms. Similarly, many people prefer to access multiple services, but unfortunately, I don’t think that’s a feasible option for many people anymore.
I know prices will always increase slightly, but having no advertisements and unlimited content represented what streaming was supposed to be from the start. I ultimately hope streaming companies keep viewers’ experiences in mind and prioritize the aspects of streaming that drew people to these platforms years ago.
