There was once a time when the only streaming service in town was Netflix. However, throughout the last decade, several new streaming services have popped up. Each has its own unique history, some starting as brand new companies, others being television networks who migrated into the digital space, and some are even the streaming home of media conglomerates like Disney, ViacomCBS, and NBCUniversal.
Each streaming service has at least one hit show or exclusive film, and many, such as Netflix, have come to dominate the Emmy awards every single year. However, as the field becomes saturated with platforms, a numbers war has emerged, with each service hoping to become the top dog.
Updated on November 21st, 2021 by Keith Langston: The world of streaming is ever-changing, and therefore, the rankings need to be constantly updated. For the most part, streamers are continually gaining subscribers, but sometimes, as has been seen with HBO Max, streaming services can even lose total subscriber numbers. As more and more platforms enter the streaming space and the competition becomes ever more saturated, it will be interesting to see which streaming services will end up on top...and which will end up like Quibi and ultimately be forced to shutter their operations.
Paramount+ – Exact Figures Unknown
Formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount+ has exclusive hit series like Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, and more, all of which have become critical successes and fan favorites. The new streaming service is also the new home for RuPaul's drag hits, airing All-Stars 6 and the new drag singing competition Queen of the Universe.
However, Paramount+'s parent company, ViacomCBS, hasn't yet given exact numbers on the streaming service's performance. Most recently, the company announced they have over 47 million subscribers in total. However, that number encompasses the conglomerate's entire streaming presence, including Paramount+, Showtime, and BET+. The exact breakdowns of how many subscribers each one has are still unknown.
Shudder – 1 Million
AMC's Shudder is one of the few successes in the niche streaming market. While 1 million subscribers might not sound like a lot, it's a hefty number for a low-budget horror-only platform. Furthermore, as AMC continues its growth with the platform and launches new Shudder originals, the brand is expected to see continued growth, proving that it's sure to be a lasting contender in the streaming world.
Beyond Shudder, AMC is seeking success with its new (and relatively unknown) new streamer AMC+, which also includes Shudder content. It will be interesting to see how the network manages to transition into the digital space.
ESPN+ – 14.9 Million
ESPN, the Disney-owned sports network, launched its streaming version a few years back. Since then, it's gained almost 15 million subscribers, thanks in part to the Disney bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted rate.
On top of the live sports coverage that ESPN is famous for, the streaming service also has original programming including sports-themed talk shows and sports documentaries, as well as all of ESPN's popular shows like 30 for 30.
Discovery+ – 18 Million
Discovery+ has over 18 million subscribers to date who have signed up to watch programming from Discovery's extensive library. The platform launched in the U.S. in January 2021, but first premiered in India in March 2020.
The network's focus is on lifestyle content, centering on home improvement, food, history, animals, and the supernatural. Discovery+ is a combination of original content, as well as a library of shows from every network that Discovery owns, including Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, HGTV, and more.
Apple TV+ – Around 19 Million
One of the newest players in the streaming TV game, Apple is primarily known as a technology company that makes computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. But in November 2019, the ever-expanding company launched Apple TV+. After that, the service acquired millions of new subscribers...but only because it was giving away free subscriptions to anyone who bought a new device.
Since those free trials have run out, Apple TV+is now reporting to have just under 20 million subscribers. While much lower than its inflated numbers, it's still not bad for a new service. Apple TV+ has also managed to secure some pretty great programming with A-list talent, including The Morning Show and the Emmy-winning Ted Lasso.
Hulu – 42.8 Million
One of the first competitors to Netflix, Hulu (which is now owned by The Walt Disney Company) offers a combination of basic access, ad-free, and even a bundle that includes live TV, allowing subscribers to watch new episodes of currently airing network series day-and-date of release.
With a healthy 42.8 million subscribers, Hulu has also impressed with its own slate of originals, including the dystopian mega-hit, The Handmaids Tale, as well popular shows like Little Fires Everywhere and Mrs. America. Hulu has amassed tons of awards for its programming and continues to release popular new original series like Only Murders in the Building and Nine Perfect Strangers.
HBO Max (& HBO) – 45.2 million
HBO's premium streaming platform HBO Max suffered a subscriber loss in the third quarter of 2021, dropping down to around 45.2 million subscribers. However, HBO Max is determined to become a massive player in the streaming world and is committed to continuing its streaming of blockbuster Warner Bros. releases on the same day of theatrical release, and to continue creating popular original series like The Flight Attendant.
On top of original content, HBO Max also has HBO's library of existing content, such as the feud-filled mafia drama The Sopranos; the always-popular ode to life in Manhattan, Sex and the City; and of course, Game of Thrones.
Peacock – 54 Million
Peacock, which launched in the summer of 2020, is owned by NBCUniversal and Comcast. It's the linear network's foray into the digital streaming world. Thus, not surprisingly, you can stream pretty much any popular series from NBC networks like USA, Bravo, and Syfy, making Peacock great for fans of reality TV thanks to shows like Real Housewives and Below Deck.
Peacock also premieres original programming, including reboots of Punky Brewster and Saved By the Bell as well as new shows like Tina Fey's Girls5eva. However, a vast majority of Peacock's 54 million subscribers are using the free option, with sources saying there are only about 10 million paying subscribers.
Disney+ – 118.1 Million
It was only a matter of time before Disney joined the party with its own streaming service to leverage its biggest franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), along with its extensive library of content. Launching in November 2019, Disney+ has already gained 118.1 million subscribers...with many speculating it will overtake Netflix within the next decade.
Much of Disney+'s success has been driven by original series like The Mandalorian, as well as MCU titles including WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. Access to the massive Disney vault of content, including kid's movies and TV shows as well as iconic films like Home Alone, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Pixar films also helped the streamer launch to massive success.
Crunchyroll – 120 Million
The anime-based streamer, Crunchyroll, has boomed in popularity in recent years. It has both free and paid content of popular anime series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, Naruto, and more. Being the premier destination for anime and manga content, Crunchyroll has amassed an impressive 120 million active users.
However, much like Peacock, that number is slightly deceiving, as only 5 million users are paying the premium plan. However, with ad-supported content and millions of paying customers, SONY saw the potential in the streaming platform and recently bought it from AT&T for $1.2 billion.
Amazon Prime Video – 175 Million
It's a bit more difficult to categorize Amazon on this list since Amazon Prime Video comes as a default with a subscription to Amazon Prime. However, Amazon has announced that out of Prime's 200 million subscribers, 175 million of those streamed a movie or TV show on Prime over the past year.
Along with plenty of network shows like Mr. Robot and older seasons of Dexter, Amazon Prime Video affords access to wonderful original shows across every genre imaginable, like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Invincible. With plenty of Emmy recognition, Amazon is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the streaming space.
Netflix – 213.5 Million
It comes as no surprise that Netflix reigns supreme in the streaming world with over 213 million subscribers. The streamer became famous for its massively successful series like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Orange Is the New Black which really put Netflix on the map in its earlier years.
Since then, the streamer has released tons of series that have gone on to become absolute sensations, such as The Crown and Birdsgerton. However, the streamer waned in popularity through much of 2021, gaining hardly any new followers...until the breakout success of Squid Game, which alone helped Netflix add more than 4 million subscribers in September and October of 2021.