It may be time to retire “Netflix and chill.”
No. You don’t have to get off the couch. You just might need to change the channel.
Since it launched its online service over a decade ago, Netflix has been synonymous with streaming. It forever revolutionized how consumers devour content, leaving behind a trail of broken and forgotten DVDs on its path to dominance. But, its stronghold on the market is fading faster than that cushion on your favorite seat.
At a time when streaming has never been more popular, there are simply more choices. In fact, over that same decade, the number of U.S. households that have subscribed to a paid streaming service increased by over 450 percent. In a market that’s growing rapidly, more choices are being launched daily.
So, don’t panic. The “chill” isn’t going away anytime soon. But, these four new services are making a strong case you should be binging somewhere else.
Disney+
If you haven’t heard Disney launched its own app in November, then you must’ve fallen asleep in your recliner.
The mouse-eared media giant provides an unmatched variety of content. The family-friendly platform hosts virtually all of the Disney animation classics, in addition to Pixar, National Geographic, Star Wars and Marvel. Subscribers can also look forward to original content from these studios as well.
Even more attractive is the price, costing customers almost half as much as Netflix. With this combination of competitive pricing and an unlimited catalogue, Disney saw 10 million subscribers… on its first day.
Download Disney+ and you’ll quickly see, they are coming for more than just the throne. They don’t even want Netflix in the (princess) castle.
Quibi
Its name is a mash-up of “quick bites.” Enough said.
Quibi aims to be “TL;DR” of the streaming industry. Designed for viewers on the go, this experimental service will feature short-form videos that only run about 10 minutes each.
Luckily for consumers, the platform’s roster of creators is much larger than its premise. Expect programs from Zac Effron, Idris Elba, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, Chrissy Teigen, Steven Spielberg and many others.
HBO Max
If Quibi is aiming for shorter, HBO Max is the exact opposite.
With over 10,000 hours of content available on release, HBO Max believes bigger is better. Rivaling Netflix with its depth of programming, HBO Max pairs its own award-winning originals with blockbusters from Warner films and nostalgia-filled reruns, such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory and South Park.
All this media won’t be available until spring. Yet, eager subscribers can already explore what HBO Max has to offer.
Cinema HD
Streaming companies are just like those chips you munch on while you binge: You can’t have just one.
Even the larger companies, like the ones listed above, have their limitations. That’s why the average U.S. household has three to four different services.
Enter Cinema HD.
Since it’s 100 percent free to use, Cinema HD is a great supplement to any paid service. But, free doesn’t mean cheap. This app houses a huge collection of TV shows and movies.With no subscription or email registration needed, Click here to download Cinema HD.
