OTTs are digital entertainment distribution platforms successfully adopted today in the US. There are many kinds of OTTs, and each one is exclusive in one way or another to target their respective groups. This article discusses the top 10 OTT platforms, their key features, and most importantly, their content, making them unique in the populated streaming market.
Best OTT Platforms in USA 2024
1. Netflix
OTT Platforms owe their popularity to Netflix. This company was an early adopter of this technology. It overhauled its business model from physical to virtual. It brought a new way to view entertainment within homes. One of the first entertainment-providing companies to leverage the power of the internet. From humble beginnings in 1997, when they sent DVDs by US Postal Service to their customers, to having 278 million subscribers streaming content in 190 countries, Netflix has come a long way.
It constantly innovated and took time to iron out problems in its business model. Today, it offers content from other content creators and has its successful series that it airs, like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, and Wednesday. It has it all: movies, games, TV shows, foreign content, personalized recommendations. It is truly the leader in the OTT game.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is just as significant as Netflix, and it started roughly at around the same time as Netflix’s streaming service. It began in 2006 and was named as Unbox.
With the Amazon behemoth behind it, Amazon Prime Video is one of the most extensive streaming services in the USA. It offers all entertainment-related content like movies, TV shows, sports, games, etc. In addition to watching content for a subscription fee, Amazon provides the option to rent select shows and movies. That is another revenue source for the company.
It also has original content. Movies like Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have also won Emmys. Amazon Prime Video is available to Amazon Prime customers and vice versa. Amazon tries to integrate business across different domains to provide value to its customers and increase their reach.
3. Hulu
Hulu was launched in 2006 by a combination of media companies. Disney now owns it. Hulu is the third largest streaming platform in the USA. It offers a vast library of content. In addition, Hulu has tie-ups with significant networks, ensuring its viewers get access to the newest show on cable TV the next day. It has an ad-free subscription model and a subscription model with ads. Viewers can choose the plan according to the budget. The subscription model also ensures that advertisers get access to Hulu’s viewers and that Hulu gets ad revenue. Hulu is also the second largest live TV streaming option in the USA and is available for those who want to watch it. It also has original content that has fared well, like The Handmaid’s Tale.
4. Disney+
The plus in Disney+ stands for the other streaming services that can be bundled with Disney. They are Hulu and ESPN+, which are now under Disney. The advantage of these bundled services is that viewers get their entire content library. If the subscriber wishes, they can take it on an individual basis, too. Disney+ streaming service started in 2019 but already has over 154 million subscribers. Subscribers can see Pixar, Marvel Universe, and National Geographic with this subscription. Families with young children like to subscribe to Disney+.
5. HBO Max
HBO Max is now known as only Max. This OTT has all the content from its stable, like HBO, Warner Bros, Studio Ghibli, and The DC Universe. HBO content has always been highly acclaimed and of excellent quality. Max offers viewers a chance to see the Warner Bros movies on the day of their theatrical release, which is a great plus. It has news content from CNN and has recently added live sports events like NHL, NBA, and US Soccer.
6. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ started in 2019 and is available on a free trial basis on all Apple devices. Apple TV + can be seen on other devices too. It is estimated to have 25+ million paid subscribers. Apple TV + shows only its original content. Ted Lasso and The Morning Show are some of its loved shows. The Major League Season Pass is also available on Apple TV+.
7. Peacock
Peacock is NBC Universal’s streaming service. Peacock did not do well initially, but now it is among the Top 10 OTT platforms. The Peacock has NBC shows and original content, such as The Office and Universal’s movie catalog. It showcased the Paris Olympics, the English Premier League, and WWE, available on Peacock. It offers a mix of premium (ad-free) and ad subscription models.
8. Paramount+
Backed by Paramount, it was launched in 2021 and offers many content from brands under Paramount, like CBS, Showtime, BET, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. Paramount has streamed the Champions League and is also the place to watch Star Trek. It is estimated to have more than 71 million paid subscribers.
9. Discovery+
Discovery + was launched in 2021. It includes content from networks under Discovery, such as Discovery Channel, TLC, Food Network, and Animal Planet. Fans of Discovery Channel love the documentaries, original educational shows, and series the service offers. Families generally prefer this informative streaming content.
10. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a streaming service that offers cable access to significant networks like ABC, CNN, etc. It allows users to have multiple profiles and be viewed on different devices simultaneously. This feature is useful when other family members want to see various shows.YouTube TV allows Live TV to be recorded and stored on the cloud for nine months. Google services are also integrated with it.
Conclusion
This is the list of the Top 10 OTT platforms in the USA. Viewers choose OTT Platforms according to their preferences and budget. OTT platforms have changed how entertainment is consumed and are leading the way.
