Top 3 Streaming Trends to Watch in 2025

The streaming revolution is still going strong, with November seeing a 7.6% increase in streaming viewership compared to the previous year, according to Nielsen. On average, households spent nearly 42% of their TV time streaming shows and movies, with YouTube leading the way with 10.8% of TV viewership in November. Netflix also made headlines with 8.5% of TV viewership during the week of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match livestream.

As competition heats up and new subscriptions plateau, streamers are facing the challenges of this rapidly evolving landscape. In response, many streaming services have been introducing ad tiers and bundling options in 2024 to attract and retain consumers, even as their parent companies grapple with losses from traditional cable subscriptions.

Looking ahead to 2025, analysts Eric Schmitt and Mike Proulx are forecasting some key trends that could shape the streaming industry in the coming year.

One major trend we can expect to see more of is bundling. As streaming service prices rise and consumers seek access to a wider array of content, bundling offers a cost-effective solution. Companies are likely to ramp up promotions and forge unexpected partnerships to drive subscriber growth and retention. Simplicity will be key in the streaming landscape, making it easier for consumers to find and watch their favorite content without the need for third-party apps or websites.

While interactive formats like shoppable ads have been touted as a way for streaming services to set themselves apart from traditional TV, analysts caution that these features may not be a silver bullet. While viewers are increasingly willing to tolerate ads in exchange for lower prices, providing engaging and non-intrusive interactive content will be crucial for success.

When it comes to industry players to watch, Amazon stands out as a major contender due to its dominance in e-commerce. While there is potential for Amazon to make significant moves in the streaming space, analysts remain skeptical about any groundbreaking developments in 2025. Amazon’s strength may lie in short-form video content that encourages viewer engagement, rather than long-form content for passive viewing.

Overall, the streaming landscape in 2025 is expected to be shaped by innovative bundling strategies, interactive content experiments, and the continued evolution of key industry players like Amazon. While the future of streaming holds potential for exciting developments, it remains to be seen how these trends will play out in the coming year.