You walk into your living room Friday night, exhausted from the work week and ready to veg out. But as you collapse onto the couch and flick on your TV, that familiar frustration creeps up. Hundreds of cable channels flip by without anything catching your eye.
Sound familiar?
The rise of on-demand streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ flips traditional TV viewing on its head. Instead of endlessly browsing cable listings, you can now tap into a world of entertainment that‘s personalized and available whenever and wherever you feel like tuning in.
As streaming pushes cable closer to extinction each year, here‘s why you should join the revolution.
What Is Streaming Anyway?
Simply put, streaming platforms are subscription services that provide instant access to TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more via the internet. By paying a monthly fee, you unlock an entire world of entertainment on your schedule across phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Top contenders like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Hulu house thousands of on-demand titles that dwarf cable offerings and put you fully in control.
The convenience is revolutionary—and streaming platforms keep expanding libraries and pump billions into fresh original movies and series you won‘t find anywhere else.
Over 82% of US households now opt for streaming, and that number will likely keep rising.
7 Compelling Reasons You Should Be Streaming
Sold yet? Here‘s a deeper look into just why ditching cable for streaming is worth it:
1. Flexibility and Convenience Over Cable
This one is huge. On-demand streaming demolished cable conventions by freeing you to watch virtually whatever you want, whenever you want. 62% of US adults see flexibility around when they view content as streaming‘s greatest perk.
Unlike rigid cable scheduling, you call the shots. Engrossed in a Netflix true crime doc late on a Wednesday? Stay up without missing a beat. Want an early Saturday Disney animation fix? Just sign in.
Streaming means you ditch frustrating appointment viewing slots. And you can resume shows across multiple devices—pausing your bedroom binge to continue downstairs on the living room TV.
Can‘t get enough of a series? 84% of streamers regularly rewatch favorites. Sorry, cable replays and marathon weekends!
2. Massive On-Demand Libraries + New Releases
Simply put, streaming unlocks far more entertainment options that cable subscriptions limiting you to linear channels.
Netflix currently streams over 3,600 movie titles, while leading aggregator Prime Video boasted over 75,000 choices as of late 2021. Hulu tops 86,000+ episodes ready to binge. Compare that to basic cable channel lineups maxing out around just hundreds of linear viewing options.
And streaming libraries rapidly expand in line with the billions platforms earmark for fresh acquisitions and new original movie/series releases annually. Netflix alone plans to introduce at least one major original every single week of 2023. More top-tier choice arriving nonstop.
3. Multi-Billion Dollar Originals and Fan Favorites
Speaking of new releases, streaming player investment in exclusive original content has revolutionized entertainment. Want prestige picks starring A-listers like The Morning Show on Apple TV+? Or can‘t miss franchises like Disney+‘s Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian?
Streaming platforms now snag more Emmy and Golden Globe nods each year, with 2022 seeing streaming dominate awards over broadcast/cable with more than 140 nominations.
And streaming original movies now also dominate the Oscars best picture category, with Apple TV‘s CODA taking 2022‘s top prize. Basically, you‘ll find some of Hollywood‘s hottest names and trendiest new projects on streaming.
4. Available On All Your Devices
Unlike cable confinement to a single living room box, today‘s streaming platforms focus on accessibility across mobile gadgets, games consoles, streaming sticks, smart displays, desktop browsers, and smart home assistants too.
Streaming flexibility means entertainment on your schedule, wherever you are. Don‘t stop that buzzy Netflix doc just because you‘re heading out the door. Resume on your phone on the train, stream through a console in the bedroom, or cast to continue downstairs.
Multiple member profiles also allow households personalized watch options and suggestions all accessible on their devices. One survey found subscribers average 5 connected devices enabled for streaming—so switching what you‘re watching where is seamless.
5. Way More Affordable Than Cable
Market research makes the money savings clear. The average cable TV bill now sits around $217 monthly. But basic ad-supported streaming subscriptions start from $5.99 monthly for services like Peacock or Paramount+. Robust options like Netflix HD only run $15.49 per month, with Prime Video available for $14.99 monthly.
Seeing your favorite shows without forking out over $100+ in cable fees just feels better! And streaming 111 hours costs just $1 vs. $6+ on cable based on recent analysis.
If you want to quit ads but not break the bank, platforms now offer premium commercial-free tiers too. Either way, streamers offer way better bang for buck—with 85% of cord cutters citing cost savings as their top motivation.
6. Curated Recommendations Just For You
While cable relies on aimless channel surfing or listings search, smart streaming algorithms learn your preferences to offer up personalized picks. The more you watch, the better suggestions get!
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video leverage powerful machine learning innovation to study your behavior. Streaming over 1,500 minute of content? Algorithms dig into related categories, genres, stars, and directors you favor to unlock hidden gem curation at scale.
No two households get the same results, putting you and your tastes first always. 80% of subscribers discover fresh content via streaming recommendations. And features like thumbs up/down voting teach algorithms exactly what you‘re looking for across any mood or genre.
7. Download & Go Offline
Unlike cable confinement to a living room set-top box, most major streaming services now let you download select movies, shows, and documentaries to smartphones and tablets for viewing offline.
This means entertainment on the move when you lack stable connections—like on flights, long commutes, or trips abroad avoiding scary roaming charges. Some platforms allow offline access for up to 30 days giving you plenty of on-the-go options.
Offline downloads introduce helpful flexibility when connections seem slow or you just want to cut back on data usage. Download when you‘re on reliable wifi overnight, then enjoy data-free entertainment on morning commutes or flights.
Which Streaming Service Should You Choose?
With so many platforms vying for your subscription, here‘s a comparison overview of the streaming space to help decide:
As the table shows, every major streamer comes with unique strengths and focuses – so what‘s best comes down to budget, personal library tastes around must-see shows/movies, or what devices you rely on already.
Many viewers start out toggling between 2–3 go-to services before settling on a couple true favorites. With multiple profiles supported and no contracts, you‘re free to test the waters before fully committing.
Join the Streaming Fun!
From the awesome convenience and choice leaving cable in the dust to billions in fresh originals transforming entertainment alongside personalized picks…there‘s never been a better time to embrace streaming flexibility.
Ditch the cable bill and enjoy way more watch options on your time, across all devices. Take back control and happy binge watching!
Still skeptical? Try out a free trial for any catching your eye. Once that first streaming binge hits, we‘re willing to bet you won‘t look back!
