The emergence of subscription video on-demand (SVOD) has revolutionized the way Americans view television. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other services put consumers in control of what, when, and where they watch. Within the past few years, SVOD’s have seen a vast increase in popularity. A staggering 64 percent of Americans now have at least one SVOD subscription, compared to 47 percent in 2014. Netflix continues to be the most popular service, with 83 percent of users having a subscription.
The rise of SVOD services has helped television become more accessible. Families are no longer sitting in front of TVs in their living room awaiting the latest episode of a hot sitcom. Chances are that episode will be made available via an app or on demand instantaneously.
But it’s not just new subscription services that put audiences in control. TV Everywhere, an initiative that allows pay TV subscribers to access programming across devices and on the go, has been increasingly successful. Think of apps like HBO Go, FX Now, or Watch ESPN where a subscriber uses their credentials to login and watch on various devices whenever, and wherever, they are.
Consumers also look beyond the traditional TV screen to stream shows and movies. According to new research by the Leichtman Research Group, 43 percent of adults stream on non-TV devices such as laptops, smartphones, iPads, and other tablets. Of those viewers, 80 percent are watching from the comfort of their own homes. It makes sense, after all what’s more convenient than watching a favorite show on an iPad while you cook dinner in the kitchen?
Streaming TV and movies via SVOD services and TV Everywhere will surely continue to be a force for the technology industry and for consumers. We all enjoy the freedom to decide how and when to our favorite programming.
