The cost of video streaming services has been climbing steadily, but subscriber satisfaction isn’t following suit. In fact, recent surveys show a growing discontent with the content libraries available, despite the rising prices.
At the start of 2024, the entertainment industry signaled the end of the “Peak TV” era—a term popularized by FX Networks Chairman John Landgraf. This term described a time of lavish content spending that brought us groundbreaking series like The Wire, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones. During this golden age of streaming, platforms raced to attract subscribers with high-quality original shows, often starring top-tier talent or earning critical praise. However, as many streaming giants now struggle to turn a profit, the volume of new scripted series has dropped for the first time in over a decade, according to FX Research.
Subscriber Satisfaction on the Decline
Consumer satisfaction with streaming content has declined over the past few years, according to multiple surveys. While the drop in content quality perception may seem minor, it becomes more significant in light of frequent subscription fee hikes. At one point, subscribing to a streaming service meant guaranteed access to the best new entertainment. But the fact that Suits—a USA Network series that ended in 2019—was the most-streamed show of 2023 reflects the changing landscape.
In TiVo’s Q2 2024 Video Trends Report, which surveyed 4,490 adults across the US and Canada, fewer subscribers said they were satisfied with the quality of streaming services. The report measures satisfaction with subscription video on demand (SVOD) services, defined as platforms that provide on-demand content for a monthly fee. The survey found a consistent downward trend in satisfaction for both ad-supported and ad-free services.
In Q2 2022, 78.6% of respondents felt that their ad-free streaming services provided “moderate to very good” content. That percentage dropped to 77.4% in 2023 and declined further to 74.5% in 2024. For ad-supported services, the drop was even steeper, falling from 74.2% in 2023 to just 60.8% in 2024.
What’s Behind the Decline?
When Ars Technica inquired about the reasons behind this decline, Scott Maddux, VP of Global Content Strategy and Business at TiVo’s parent company Xperi, shared some insights. He noted that the shift toward ad-supported models could be playing a role in the perception of content quality.
“As more consumers move toward ad-supported SVOD services, their expectations may shift, contributing to lower satisfaction,” Maddux explained.
He also pointed out that financial pressures on streaming platforms may be impacting the volume and quality of original content. “Streamers are producing fewer original titles as they focus on reaching profitability. Without fresh releases or exclusive deals, the perceived value and uniqueness of these services may drop.”
A separate survey from CableTV.com in January 2024 echoed TiVo’s findings. Among 7,130 U.S. streaming users, satisfaction with original content declined across major platforms like Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, and Paramount+. However, some services bucked the trend, with Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock reporting improved satisfaction ratings over the same period.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/202...treaming-content-that-they-are-enjoying-less/
At the start of 2024, the entertainment industry signaled the end of the “Peak TV” era—a term popularized by FX Networks Chairman John Landgraf. This term described a time of lavish content spending that brought us groundbreaking series like The Wire, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones. During this golden age of streaming, platforms raced to attract subscribers with high-quality original shows, often starring top-tier talent or earning critical praise. However, as many streaming giants now struggle to turn a profit, the volume of new scripted series has dropped for the first time in over a decade, according to FX Research.
Subscriber Satisfaction on the Decline
Consumer satisfaction with streaming content has declined over the past few years, according to multiple surveys. While the drop in content quality perception may seem minor, it becomes more significant in light of frequent subscription fee hikes. At one point, subscribing to a streaming service meant guaranteed access to the best new entertainment. But the fact that Suits—a USA Network series that ended in 2019—was the most-streamed show of 2023 reflects the changing landscape.
In TiVo’s Q2 2024 Video Trends Report, which surveyed 4,490 adults across the US and Canada, fewer subscribers said they were satisfied with the quality of streaming services. The report measures satisfaction with subscription video on demand (SVOD) services, defined as platforms that provide on-demand content for a monthly fee. The survey found a consistent downward trend in satisfaction for both ad-supported and ad-free services.
In Q2 2022, 78.6% of respondents felt that their ad-free streaming services provided “moderate to very good” content. That percentage dropped to 77.4% in 2023 and declined further to 74.5% in 2024. For ad-supported services, the drop was even steeper, falling from 74.2% in 2023 to just 60.8% in 2024.
What’s Behind the Decline?
When Ars Technica inquired about the reasons behind this decline, Scott Maddux, VP of Global Content Strategy and Business at TiVo’s parent company Xperi, shared some insights. He noted that the shift toward ad-supported models could be playing a role in the perception of content quality.
“As more consumers move toward ad-supported SVOD services, their expectations may shift, contributing to lower satisfaction,” Maddux explained.
He also pointed out that financial pressures on streaming platforms may be impacting the volume and quality of original content. “Streamers are producing fewer original titles as they focus on reaching profitability. Without fresh releases or exclusive deals, the perceived value and uniqueness of these services may drop.”
A separate survey from CableTV.com in January 2024 echoed TiVo’s findings. Among 7,130 U.S. streaming users, satisfaction with original content declined across major platforms like Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, and Paramount+. However, some services bucked the trend, with Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock reporting improved satisfaction ratings over the same period.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/202...treaming-content-that-they-are-enjoying-less/
