Video Streaming Predictions For 2025
We have officially marked the arrival of the New Year. To give our viewers and creators insights into the future of streaming, we made a few predictions.
Note: Future events are not always guaranteed, but predictions help you in making decisions about what lies ahead.
To rewind, in our previous article, we highlighted how 2024 was the year when streaming took center stage. Out of all the trends, one that particularly stood out was the way viewers were gradually cutting the cord by shifting to watching content over video streaming apps and websites. This is the ultimate power of streaming. The world is fast-paced, and viewers are now demanding convenience. The emergence of streaming has made our lives easier, helping us watch content anywhere anytime.
Now, let’s talk about what’s coming in 2025. In the year ahead, we can expect something bigger and better than we see today. This year we are making 3 major predictions. To give a brief overview, creators and enterprises might shift towards pre-recorded streaming this year. Also, more educators and other creators will start owning their content. This will create an ecosystem where creators will no longer run behind millions of subscribers, rather they will focus on cultivating loyal subscribers. In terms of viewership, audiences will delve deeper into hyper-focused content. Also, we can see more local shows and video streaming platforms coming up.
These predictions could reshape how we watch, create, and think about video streaming in 2025.
Let's dive in:
3 Major Predictions
Prediction 1: More Creators Might Launch Their Own Video Streaming Business
Here’s the truth that creators need to hear, and if you are among the ones reading this, understand that this year is going to be all about owning your content. But how? The answer lies in the power of building your very own streaming app and website. Independent creators are now investing most of their time creating a D2C subscription-based platform. They are no longer building their content on a rented property and are owning their content.
If you look at it, YouTube is the prime destination for creators and those who can harness its algorithm, creators can get their work in front of millions of users, but that’s not always the case. YouTube is unpredictable, many creators have already been demonetized and what’s scary is without a backup plan, you won’t survive because after all algorithm changes, policy shifts, and overnight, your revenue stream can dry up. So, creators have started “Owning their content” by creating a safety net. They are doing so by building their video streaming platform. Take, for example, the fitness guru Kayla Itsines, who built her streaming app "Sweat," which exemplifies the power of owning your platform. Similarly, creators like Nas Daily launched "Nas Academy" to share educational content on their terms, and comedians like Louis C.K. distribute their specials directly to their audience without middlemen.
These creators have become successful because they early on realized the benefits of having one’s video streaming site. They knew that having one’s D2C subscription-based platform would help them:
- Form a deeper connection with the audience and create a circle of loyal subscribers
- Give them full creative freedom over their content and
- Help in brand building
In 2025, we’ll see more creators and enterprises building their own hyper-specific video streaming platforms. These platforms won’t just serve as content hubs but as ecosystems fostering deeper engagement and community building.
Prediction 2: Pre-Recorded Videos Can Be the New Standard For 2025
Pre-recorded videos are not exactly groundbreaking. They have been here for quite some time. In 1956, Ampex Corporation introduced Quadruplex videotape recording, which allowed TV shows to be recorded on magnetic tape for playback. Then in the late 20th century, we saw the rise of VHS and Betamax, which made pre-recorded videos accessible to everyone. Then came DVDs and finally YouTube in 2005. Now, pre-recorded videos have become the backbone of the streaming industry. And this year we might witness some major revolution.
For a few seconds, think about the last award show or any product launch event you saw. Was it pre-recorded or live-streamed? Chances are, it’s pre-recorded. Major events and big brands are now pre-recording their events. They are moving away from live streaming. Take for instance, Apple, one of the biggest brands, has shifted to delivering pre-recorded presentations, after the Covid-19 pandemic. Why? The answer is simple: because it’s convenient and reliable. For a company like Apple, where perfection is non-negotiable, shifting gradually from live streaming to pre-recorded makes complete sense.
Is Pre-recorded better than live streaming?
The appeal for pre-recording lies in its ability to be reliable, in comparison to live streaming. Live streaming has its own sets of challenges: technical glitches, service disruptions, and the pressure of real-time execution. Even major streaming platforms have faced struggles. A recent case in point was the Mike Tyson Vs Jake Paul fight on Netflix which was a complete failure due to service disruptions. Undeterred by setbacks, Netflix still pushes live content.
If you are curious and want to ponder upon why Netflix continually fails in live streaming, this video offers an insightful take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNUqG0dTxXA
It’s important to understand that live streaming won’t completely vanish, it will always have its niche. However, pre-recorded streaming will become the gold standard for creators especially big brands who demand more control over their videos.
What’s in store for Creators?
For creators, pre-recording can be a secret weapon. It will offer them the freedom to edit, fine-tune, and create something that’s polished and powerful.
Let’s break it down better with an example - Suppose you are a creator running a weekly meditation session and have a dedicated audience, they would demand some consistency. But, let’s say you want to take a break and need a vacation, because after all life happens. Here, pre-recorded videos will work like a charm. You can record your videos in advance for your audience and post them weekly. This is a great way to deliver consistency while also focusing on your lifestyle. You know a win-win for both.
Prediction 3: Rise of Local Content Streaming
There’s something special about watching content in your language, reflecting your culture. It instills a sense of belongingness. Whether it’s Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, Marathi, or beyond, localized content proves that connection happens when you hear or watch content in your language.
Streaming services have recognized this very well and are now stepping far beyond Hollywood and Bollywood by inculcating more regional shows and movies. This marks a huge cultural shift.
Native audiences are also demanding regional content as a result of which we are noticing a wave of localized VOD content. There have been many local OTT apps mushrooming in the market from Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and many more. Take for instance, aha primarily focusing on southern content and Hoichoi focusing on Bengali movies and shows. Then there are platforms like iflix and Viu that cater to SouthEast Asian audiences with a strong selection of local and Hollywood content. In South Korea, there is a platform called “ Wave” offering a mix of local TV shows, and movies. Vidio, a local OTT platform in Indonesia has been growing, offering a mix of local and international content with a focus on sports. It currently leads the Indonesian market with 4.1 million users due to its premium sports content and local dramas.
For 2025, we predict that the video streaming market will be fiercely competitive with both regional and global content. Plus, advancements in AI could make hyper-local content more discoverable across the world. Also, we predict that these local VOD platforms might compete with global giants like Netflix and Prime. Although it might bring in financial muscle, it would be good to see how it works out.
Make The Most of These Predictions
And here we come to the end of this article. These aren’t just predictions—they’re signals of where we’re headed. Remember that the creator economy is constantly evolving and the competition will be fierce in the near future. If you are a creator reading this, make sure you follow through with our prediction, especially the first one. If you are someone who is just starting and is new in the field of video streaming, do your research and be well-prepared for what lies ahead.
If you have any thoughts to share or add to this article, please reach out to us.
Cheers to a year of learning and growth.
