The Streaming Bubble Has Burst. What's Next?
With subscription fatigue setting in, major streaming platforms lost a combined 4 million subscribers in Q3 2023. The era of blank-check content spending is over.
Streaming Content Spend (Billions USD)
| Platform | 2022 Spend | 2023 (Projected) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| StreamNet | $17.0B | $15.5B | -8.8% |
| MediaPlus | $33.0B | $29.0B | -12.1% |
| CineMax | $18.0B | $14.5B | -19.4% |
Explore: Media consolidation, Algorithms, Copyright law, International content, Neuroscience of bingeing, Screen time, Media literacy, Hollywood accounting, Indie theaters, Box office recovery, Death of monoculture, Gaming narratives, Sports rights, Acclaimed directors, Music royalties, Ad revenue, AI art, K-pop expansion, Arts funding, Archaeology, and Book publishing.
Common Mistakes in Media Analysis
- Conflating viewership with profitability: High ratings don't matter if customer acquisition costs exceed lifetime value.
Culture FAQ
What is FAST?
Free Ad-supported Streaming Television. It represents the fastest-growing segment in media as consumers reject subscription stacking.
Next Step: Use our tool to calculate your annual streaming spend.