Before high-speed internet was available in almost every Canadian home, TV shows and movie buffs flocked video DVD stores to watch their favorite shows and movies. But today, affordable high-speed internet is everywhere, and all movie and series fans have vast content libraries at home and on mobile devices because of online streaming.
It all started with Netflix changing its business model, and now, there are countless movie and TV show streaming sites on the internet. So today, the preferred and latest movie or show is right at your fingertips.
This begs the question: What is the true impact of online streaming on the entertainment industry, especially in Canada? Let’s find out.
Users are Getting More Variety
The genres and categories on streaming services are almost like an endless pit. Apart from the obvious genre categories like action, horror, dramas, sitcoms, etc., streamers can pick a film or show based on their mood, which is incredible.
You can even get content that will suit your entertainment need for that hour or even choose content from all over the world.
This forces the entertainment industry to act fast and create content that meets the needs of its users, and if they can’t do it, they lose out to the competition.
Users even can receive each channel as it’s playing in on cable TVs. Even with the growth in the number of streaming services in the market, a rising trend has been seen in the cord-cutting. By 2023, it is estimated that more than 52% of households in Canada would have streaming networks in place of cable tv subscriptions.
Other than variety, streaming services are excelling in offering the rates as well and there are some affordable options available in the market offering the variety of entertainment at a reasonable cost. Sling tv is one of the affordable and popular choices not only in the US but also in its neighbors like Canada. You can watch Sling TV live in Canada. but not without a VPN provider.
Streamers Don’t Have to Wait for Their Favorite Content
With streamers requiring more variety, content creators and filmmakers have to make new shows and movies for the streaming services.
You don’t even have to wait for your favorite movie to be made available to the streaming service you’ve subscribed to. Some websites act fast and make the content available on free streaming services because they know the users don’t want to wait.
Today, content creators identify that everything must be presented on streaming platforms the moment it’s out for everyone to see.
Streaming Original Content
Content streaming services have led filmmakers and other video creators to make and stream original content.
This is a great marketing strategy because you cannot find the content on any TV network or streaming platform. For example, the highly anticipated Marvel creation Moon Knight will premiere exclusively on Disney Plus.
Netflix also paved the way for streaming services to air original content with original shows like Squid Game which quickly gathered a cult-like following. But the streaming service has been doing it for a while with shows like Stranger Things, The Witcher, The Last Kingdom, etc.
The Best Way to Consume Content is to Binge-Watch
Streaming services already know that streamers don’t prefer the weekly episode strategy. If they want to watch something entertaining, they want to do it in one sitting.
So, series creators prefer shooting all episodes together and releasing the content all at once.
This process is a win-win for creators and streamers. For example, content creators have to keep creating content, making them full-time employees of streaming platforms. Also, binge-watchers have plenty of content to consume.
So, streaming sites have discovered that their subscribers love to consume content on their schedule instead of traditional TV schedules. As a result, we can expect the streaming platforms to improve this model and even offer an entire night of a single TV show.
More Niche Content for Niche Viewers
What’s your favorite niche? Gone are the days of the broadcast model where the content was created to appeal to a wide audience. That model worked for a long time, and that’s why we have shows like Friends, Prison Break and The Big Bang Theory, etc.
However, the broadcast model has run and cannot work now. Today’s streamers cannot stand the thought of scrolling through channels to find the content they find appealing.
If you want a particular niche, log in to the streaming service and enter the title on the search bar, and there you have it.
So, content creators have to up their game by finding new ways to appeal to niches, giving them something they can’t resist. For example, want a drug-related show, Netflix has Narcos. Like a superhero show with a little Christmas spirit, Disney Plus gives you Hawkeye.
The result is that streamers get real-time access to their preferred content.
Zero Interruptions
Streaming services are quickly realizing that advertisements can ruin the viewing experience. So, how do they add product advertisements without cutting into a show or movie? Easy, creatively advertise in the content you’re offering.
Advertising companies have realized this strategy and its impact on moving products or services. TV ads have seen a sharp decline over the years, linked to the growth of streamed content.
So, next time you see a cast member have your favorite burger, you know!
Improved Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is important in every company selling a product or a service, including streaming platforms. The content subscribers can leave comments on social media or directly on the website.
Content sites can use customer feedback to know the viewers’ likes and make relevant changes or additions.
Final Words
Streaming services have introduced a lot into the lives of Canadian streamers. They make it easy for people to follow their busy schedules and have great entertainment at their fingertips. The entertainment industry is also following suit to cook up great things for the audience.
