Major Video Trends

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AI is Redefining the Streaming Experience 

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When discussing trends, we can’t ignore the impact of AI in transforming our experience. In 2024, AI took the wheel, making everything smoother and a whole lot more personal. Streaming platforms made the most out of AI. Take Amazon Prime, for example, which rolled out AI-generated X-ray recaps for viewers to catch on their favorite shows in case they missed any of them. Even Netflix refined its AI algorithms to personalize user experience. They did it so well, it seemed like Netflix knew us better than we know ourselves. Whatever it is, these streaming platforms have perfectly used AI to craft a phenomenal viewing experience for the audience. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect more innovations because 2024 is just the start. There’s more to what AI can do in the streaming sphere. 

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Rise of Niche Video Streaming

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A growing trend that is increasingly getting a fair share of traffic is niche streaming. Unlike generalist platforms that try to appeal to everyone, niche-specific platforms target specific interests, whether it is K-dramas, anime, documentaries, or independent films. Take for example Crunchyroll, the streaming platform for anime, Shudder for horror movies, and IndiesFlix for Independent films. These platforms allow creators to build a loyal community of audience that larger players often overlook. What’s interesting about niche platforms is also their target audience. Genz, for example, prefers watching anime and international films on niche streaming sites rather than Netflix. As per Polygon, 58% of Gen Z watch anime content on Crunchyroll - a platform specifically dedicated to anime fans rather than YouTube or Netflix. All we can say is these platforms are definitely craving their own paths by offering hyper-focused content and it’s only going to grow in the subsequent years.

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‍Video Streaming Zooms in on 4K and 8K Streaming Experience 

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As viewers, we are habituated to streaming content on 4K and 8K. High-definition has officially been outdated, all because of the advancements in the internet infrastructure and streaming technology. But, what sets 4k and 8k apart from high-definition resolution? The answer is straightforward yet simple- 4k offers 4 times a high-quality viewing experience than 1080p while 8k offers 8 times better viewing experience than what 4k offers. This enhances viewing experiences for any type of content whether it be movies or everyday content like travel vlogs, or live events - making the experience more immersive than ever before. 

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Increase in OTT Viewership 

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Today, viewers are increasingly consuming content on OTT. The Ormax OTT viewership report in 2024 revealed that the OTT viewership has increased to 14%, with 547 million users. One of the driving forces might be binge-watching, which became extremely popular with the emergence of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime. It all started in 2013 when Netflix released all the episodes of House of Cards in one go. Viewers became glued to their mobile screens savoring content at their own pace. On top of this, the Covid-19 pandemic pushed people into watching content at home. With theatres getting shut and TV channels replaying old shows like Mahabharata and Ramayana, baby boomers may have looked back, but GenZs were up for all fresh content on Netflix, Prime, and others. Several reports even revealed that the time spent on OTT platforms increased to 2-3 hrs. As 2025 nears, we are confident that this viewership is only expected to grow at an unprecedented rate. 

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Bundles in Streaming 

In an era where convenience and money are key aspects for consumers, bundled subscriptions have been a relief for viewers. Viewers are tired of subscribing to multiple platforms to watch their favorite shows. Paying for each platform is also something not feasible for many. The perfect solution to this was a bundled subscription. In 2024, we saw many streaming platforms collaborating with channels to give viewers more value for their money. Services like the Disney+ bundle (which includes Hulu and ESPN+) were an excellent bundle that combined multiple offerings into one convenient package. Another more recent bundle is Comcast’s Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock. Data also reveals that subscribing to a bundle with multiple streaming services can save consumers $100 dollars each year. This makes it a financially attractive option for users. As platforms continue to grow, this trend is likely to grow making it a budget-friendly option for consumers. 

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Using Other Platforms to Drive Viewers 

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Streaming giants are giving away the milk for free. What it means is paid video streaming platforms are leveraging YouTube and other social media channels to tweak subscribers. “Netflix is a Joke” is a perfect example. The YouTube channel is packed with short clips of the best jokes from Hasan Minaj to Adam Sandler. To watch the longer-stand-up specials viewers need to get a subscription for Netflix.. Netflix Co-CEO, Theodore A. Sarandos, even said that YouTube compliments Netflix by driving viewership. The idea is simple - to hook people with free samples and compel them into subscribing. This trend of using free platforms like YouTube, and Instagram for promotion is a smart move and sets an example that even the biggest names in the streaming industry aren’t afraid to mix things up and are diversifying content across platforms. 

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The Cord-Cutting Ritual is Here to Stay 

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Cord-cutting has now become a lifestyle and consumers are exclusively shifting to streaming services. According to CNET, consumers have to pay an average monthly bill of $200 for Cable TV. This makes streaming an attractive option for viewers all around the world. In India, the shift to streaming services is more apparent. A survey revealed that 34% of Indian consumers are cutting the cord with traditional TV services, while another 27% are considering doing so in the near future. Logically, why would anyone pay for tons of channels when you can pay a lesser amount by subscribing to Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, or even niche services that cater to your unique interest? As technology evolves, we can expect that streaming might fully replace cable. 

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Streaming Beyond Screens - The AR and VR Revolution

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Consumers are now looking for immersive experiences, and streaming platforms are exploring ways to incorporate them. An exciting step towards it was when Netflix released the famous series Stranger Things Virtual Reality. It was a 2-minute 360-degree experience. Another step was when Hotstar explored the first live-streaming VR experience as part of the Kabaddi World Championship in 2016. Even, the NBA partnered with NextVR, a leader in broadcasting live events in virtual reality to live stream basketball. It allowed fans to feel like they were sitting courtside at basketball games or on the 50-yard line during football matches. Streaming platforms are now hosting VR concerts and events, allowing fans to attend them from anywhere around the world. In the near future, we can expect AR and VR to be the standard features in the streaming industry. 

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Sports Boosts the Streaming Industry 

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The two most popular niches to ever exist on cable TV have been News and Sports. Before OTT, sports were broadcasted on Doordarshan(DD), and slowly thereafter channels like StarSports, and SonySports Network became popular. Cut to today, sports is dominating the video streaming industry in comparison to other niches. Research indicates that 77% of urban Indians report paying for streaming subscriptions solely for sports. As of May 2024, approximately 25% of Americans also reported watching sports through online live streams. This trend reflects a broader shift towards watching sports on streaming platforms over traditional cable TV. Even major platforms like Netflix have joined hands with Apple, Amazon, and Disney for Live Sports. In the coming years, we will notice the change in viewing habits and also the transformation of streaming services into becoming power players in sports broadcasting. 

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Traditional TV Channels Jump on the Streaming Bandwagon

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Competing with giant platforms like Netflix and Disney, many iconic TV networks are launching their own streaming service or are partnering with the existing ones. Take, for instance, HBO which launched HBO Now and HBO Max. Traditional TV channels like Doordarshan have recently announced their own OTT app “ Waves”  with 40 live channels alongside famous epic shows like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The app will stream content across 14+ languages. This shift will allow them to reach audiences who prefer on-demand content over scheduled programming. Additional channels like SunTv have also launched their own OTT app SunXT which has content in over six languages- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, and Hindi. In 2025, we are hoping that there will be more TV networks innovating and adapting to the new era of video-on-demand viewing experience. 

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Wrapping Up 

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This was a sneak peek into what’s happening in the streaming sphere in 2024. The trends we saw this year - bundled subscription, the rise of AI, and niche streaming are all going to grow in the coming years. But, one trend that particularly stood out is how viewers are increasingly changing their viewing habits and are now moving towards watching content on streaming apps. The age of flipping through TV channels seems to be fading, as convenience and on-demand access take center stage. It will be amazing to see what’s next for the streaming industry in the year 2025.  

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