Part 10/12:
The streaming landscape's evolution suggests a more fragmented but vibrant ecosystem where various platforms serve different purposes. For example, premium platforms like Netflix will continue to host high-quality, curated content for audiences seeking a polished experience. Conversely, YouTube and similar platforms will remain vital hubs for authentic, niche, and user-generated content.
Some major media companies recognize this and adopt hybrid strategies, such as releasing select episodes for free on YouTube with ads—driving viewers toward paid subscriptions for full access. This “tub model” leverages the vast reach and familiarity of free platforms to funnel audiences into premium services.