The modern viewer enjoys a plethora of choices when it comes to entertainment. From live television streaming to free ad-supported services (FAST), options abound. But identifying the “best” among Popular Streaming Services is a complex task. Subscriber count alone doesn’t tell the whole story, especially with varying global availability. True value lies in factors like user experience, content quality, and whether a service offers what you want to watch.
However, subscriber numbers do offer a glimpse into each service’s global performance. We’ve analyzed major players like Netflix and Hulu, along with newer contenders like Disney+, Paramount+, and Apple TV+, to present a breakdown of the top 10 streaming services by subscriber count.
Top 10 Popular Streaming Services Ranked by Subscribers
This list utilizes information primarily published by the streaming services themselves or their parent companies. It provides a snapshot of the current streaming landscape, ranked by total subscribers.
10. Starz: 15.08 Million Subscribers
Starz, the streaming arm of Lionsgate studio, focuses heavily on movies. While it might not be the first service that comes to mind, its connection to Lionsgate provides a surprisingly robust library. As of Summer 2024, Starz boasts 15.08 million subscribers globally, though this represents a decline from December 2023.
9. ESPN+: 25.6 Million Subscribers
Disney-owned ESPN+ offers a unique blend of live sports (both professional and collegiate), on-demand original content, and a streaming option for existing ESPN subscribers. While it doesn’t replace a full ESPN subscription, it provides access to a vast array of live sporting events, from niche sports to major leagues like the German Bundesliga and UFC.
Leveraging the power of the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a discounted price), ESPN+ reached 25.6 million subscribers in Q4 2024. The future holds further evolution for ESPN+, with integration into the Disney+ app planned and a standalone ESPN streaming service on the horizon.
8. Apple TV+: 25 Million Subscribers (Estimated)
Apple, known for its secrecy regarding numbers, doesn’t officially disclose Apple TV+ subscriber counts. However, estimates place it around 25 million paid users. This figure doesn’t account for trial subscriptions linked to Apple hardware purchases. The platform’s exclusive content, including hit shows like Ted Lasso and the MLS Season Pass featuring Lionel Messi, positions Apple TV+ for continued growth.
7. Peacock: 36 Million Subscribers
Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, has defied initial skepticism to reach 36 million paid subscribers in Q3 2024. Its affordability, coupled with being the U.S. streaming home of the English Premier League, has significantly contributed to its success.
6. Hulu: 51.1 Million Subscribers
Now wholly owned by Disney, Hulu maintains its distinct identity with acclaimed original series like The Handmaid’s Tale. It boasts 51.3 million paid subscribers for its on-demand service. While accessible within Disney+ for dual subscribers, Hulu offers content not found on Disney’s flagship platform. Hulu’s live TV service, Hulu + Live TV, contributes another 4.4 million subscribers, also counted within the Disney Bundle figures.
5. Paramount+: 72 Million Subscribers
Paramount+, a globally available service, leverages the strength of its parent company’s portfolio, including CBS, Showtime, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and BET. With a diverse content offering encompassing popular franchises and live sports, Paramount+ reached 72 million subscribers in Q3 2024.
4. Max: 110 Million Subscribers (Sort Of)
Max, formerly HBO Max, represents the streaming face of Warner Bros. Discovery. While the reported 110 million subscribers encompass all of WBD’s direct-to-consumer services (including Discovery+, legacy HBO, and Max), the platform continues to evolve with news content (CNN Max), live sports (Bleacher Report), and planned expansion into international markets.
3. Disney+: 153.6 Million Subscribers
Launched in 2019 with explosive growth, Disney+ leverages the powerhouse brands of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. With aggressive bundling alongside Hulu and ESPN+, Disney+ has amassed a global subscriber base of 153.8 million, including 118.3 million for the core Disney+ service and 35.5 million for Disney+ Hotstar in India.
2. Amazon Prime Video: 200 Million+ Subscribers
Integrated within the Amazon Prime ecosystem, Prime Video offers a vast library of movies and shows as part of the Prime membership. While also functioning as a rental and purchase platform and a portal to other streaming services (Amazon Prime Video Channels), Prime Video benefits from its connection to Amazon Prime’s estimated 200 million+ global subscribers. Its exclusive sports content, like Thursday Night Football, further enhances its appeal.
1. Netflix: 282.7 Million Subscribers
Netflix reigns supreme as the largest global streaming service, boasting 282.7 million paid subscribers in Q3 2024. Its extensive global reach, diverse content library, and constant influx of new programming solidify its position as the industry leader. While Netflix plans to discontinue reporting specific subscriber numbers in the future, its dominance in the streaming landscape remains undeniable.
Conclusion: The Future of Popular Streaming Services
The streaming landscape is dynamic and competitive. While subscriber counts provide a benchmark, the ultimate measure of success lies in providing compelling content, a seamless user experience, and adapting to evolving viewer preferences. The lines between services continue to blur with mergers, acquisitions, and bundling becoming increasingly prevalent. The future of popular streaming services promises further innovation and transformation.
