Advanced technologies, cutting-edge streaming devices, and high-speed internet have dominated the media industry and spurred the decline of cable. By the end of 2022, it is estimated that streaming content will be the most preferred way to consume entertainment. But with so many options available, it begs the question: which is the best streaming service?
Streaming services have experienced massive growth in recent years, with a wide range of options, including HBO MAX, Hulu, Disney Plus, Acorn TV, Netflix, etc. Although each streaming service has a whopping growth of subscribers yearly, Netflix still dominates the overall market.
Is Netflix the best streaming service?
Netflix is an online streaming service based on subscriptions, allowing users to watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other genres without advertising or commercials.
The best thing about Netflix is downloading movies on any device and watching them offline. Netflix is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and other operating systems.
According to Next TV, the majority of subscribers are from North America, including the United States and Canada. These two countries constitute over 75 million Netflix users.
Research shows that 75% of Netflix users are between 18 and 34 years of age. Most of them access the service through shared passwords (something Netflix is currently working to resolve).
But why is Netflix considered one of the best streaming services?
Award-winning original shows
In addition to licensing some of the most popular and viewed programming available today, Netflix produces original content, including wildly popular shows like Stranger Things and hit movies like The Sea Beast.
What makes Netflix stand out from the competition is that the company has received more than 800 nominations for its original programming. Among them, Netflix has won 250 awards.
In 2022 alone, Netflix received 27 Oscar nominations.
The most watched streaming service
A report published by Streaming Observer states that Netflix viewers worldwide watch content for 164 million hours daily. Although the company is available in almost all countries, the home base dominates the subscriptions. For instance, 75 million out of 222 million subscribers are in Canada and the United States.
According to SMART Home OWL, Netflix has more than 17,000 titles, including movies, documentaries, short films, TV shows, etc., in its international libraries; by comparison, the streamer had just 15,400 titles in January of 2018, an increase of 1,600 titles in just four years.
The whopping growth of new titles, including original video programming services, indicates that people worldwide prefer Netflix.
Advanced search and recommendation system
Netflix has a cutting-edge recommendation algorithm that showcases the videos, movies, and TV shows to users based on their preferences. About 80% of users on Netflix use the recommendation system to find and watch their favorite shows and movies.
Most users click to watch the most recommended movies and shows from Netflix. In addition, the platform has an excellent search engine that allows users to search a show or movie by name, actor, director, genre, and other categories.
High-quality videos
Netflix offers something for everyone. For example, if you have a slow internet speed, you can reduce video quality and watch your favorite movie in SD 480p. It also offers full High-Definition (HD) 1080p movies and shows.
A wide range of shows are even available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR. However, if you want to watch 4k videos on the platform, you must purchase the higher-end plan.
High device compatibility
Although most streaming platforms are compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, Netflix is more versatile. It has excellent compatibility with PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, iOS devices, smart TVs, media players, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and even gaming consoles.
Final words
Netflix is the world’s largest and most watched streaming service, thanks to its massive amounts of video content, SD, HD, UHD, HDR, 4K quality options, excellent speeds, and availability across multiple platforms in 190 countries. The streamer even offers free mobile gaming to its viewers.
Plus, the service is efficient and reliable with a device-friendly interface. It has low prices compared to other streaming platforms when quality and quantity are considered with price.
Despite minor losses in the first quarter of 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, the bottom line is that Netflix is the most watched, most well-known, and arguably best equipped to continue to be the best streaming service for the foreseeable future.