Top 10 Streaming Services in 2024
Data Trends Across 2024
Throughout 2024, streaming platforms have experienced fluctuating audience shares, highlighting their relentless battle for market dominance. While the final data to crown the ultimate winner will only be available in January 2025, current trends already reveal the key frontrunners.
According to data from Nielsen’s The Gauge reports for January - October 2024, which represent a view of total TV usage by media company, Disney+, which started the year strong, maintained its lead, ending October 2024 with an 11.7% market share. However, competitors like YouTube and NBCUniversal (Peacock) showed consistent growth, narrowing the gap by 10.6% and 9.2%, respectively. These shifts underline the competitive nature of the industry and the importance of adaptive strategies.
Meanwhile, platforms like Paramount+, Netflix, and FOX (Tubi) showcased resilience by leveraging diverse content strategies. Paramount+ climbed steadily from 8.1% in January to 8.7% in October, while Netflix, despite facing increased competition, managed to stabilize at 8.4% by capitalizing on its strong original programming. FOX (Tubi) also grew from 7.6% in April to 8.4% in October, leveraging its free ad-supported model to attract budget-conscious viewers.
Other notable platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery (Max) maintained steady positions. Amazon achieved 3.6% in October, up slightly from 3.2% in January. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery (Max) showed a solid 6.7% in October, showcasing the power of a well-curated blockbuster franchise and exclusive content library.
Streaming platforms’ audience share for January 2024
Data from The Gauge
Streaming platforms’ audience share for October 2024
Data from The Gauge
Top 10 streaming services 2024
Here are the top 10 streaming services that emerged as winners in 2024, based on audience share data from Nielsen Gauge reports covering the first 10 months of the year.
1. Disney+.The Content King
158.6 million subscribers in Q4 2024 (data from Statista)
In December 2024, Disney+ Subscription Plans start from $9.99.
Disney+ consistently led the pack, bolstered by its unrivaled catalog of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises. By investing in exclusive originals and international content, the platform catered to global audiences, solidifying its 11.7% market share by October. Its adaptability to audience demands and focus on family-friendly programming made it a formidable player throughout the year.
2. YouTube. The Creator-Driven Giant
More than 100 million paid subscribers across its Music and Premium services. Data from Statista for February 2024.
YouTube Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
YouTube’s 10.6% share highlights its unparalleled versatility. From user-generated content to live TV through YouTube Premium, the platform balanced short-form and long-form content expertly. By capitalizing on trends like Shorts and fostering creator partnerships, YouTube remained a go-to for younger and diverse audiences. YouTube consistently held its second position throughout the year, starting at 9.6% in January and steadily climbing.
3. NBCUniversal (Peacock). A Hybrid Model for Growth
36 million subscribers in Q4 2024 (data from Statista)
Peacock Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
Peacock’s ability to combine live sports, a vast library of NBC hits, and hybrid ad-supported and subscription models helped it grow from 8.8% in May to 9.2% in October. Its partnerships and aggressive licensing deals have positioned it as a strong contender in the competitive streaming landscape.
4. Paramount+. The Versatile Player
72 million subscribers in Q4 2024 (data from Statista)
Paramount+ Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
Paramount+ demonstrated consistent growth throughout 2024, starting at 8.1% in January and reaching 8.7% by October. By leveraging popular franchises like Star Trek and Yellowstone alongside live sports coverage, Paramount+ catered to both niche and mainstream audiences. Its inclusion of live news and sports created a well-rounded offering that resonated with viewers.
5. Netflix. The Resilient Pioneer
282.7 million subscribers in Q4 2024 (data from Statista)
Netflix Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
Netflix, despite increased competition, managed to stabilize its audience share at 8.4% by October. The platform’s investments in international originals, such as Korean dramas and Spanish-language series, along with its focus on blockbuster films, ensured continued relevance. Starting the year at 8.6%, Netflix faced challenges but remained a household favorite.
6. FOX (Tubi). The Free Ad-Supported Leader
78 million monthly active users (data from Statista)
Tubi Subscription Plans
Tubi offers a straightforward model with no subscription fees.
Tubi’s growth from 7.6% in April to 8.4% in October highlights the appeal of free ad-supported streaming. By offering a mix of classic TV shows, movies, and niche content, Tubi attracted budget-conscious viewers looking for diverse entertainment options without subscription fees.
7. Warner Bros. Discovery (Max). The Franchise Powerhouse
Over 110 million subscribers in Q3 2024 (data from Statista).
Warner Bros. Discovery (Max) Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
Max leveraged its robust library of iconic franchises, including DC Comics, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones, to maintain a strong position in the market. With a steady 6.7% share in October, Max showcased the enduring appeal of premium content bundled with live sports and news.
8. Amazon Prime Video. Steady Performer
220 million subscribers in Q4 2024 (data from Yaguara)
Amazon Prime Video Subscription Plans
Data for December 2024
Amazon Prime Video held a stable position, growing from 3.2% in January to 3.6% in October. Its strategy of bundling streaming with Amazon Prime memberships and exclusive shows like The Boys and The Rings of Power ensured steady engagement.
9. Scripps Networks. Niche Excellence
Scripps Networks, focusing on niche channels like HGTV and Food Network, maintained a consistent presence in the market, holding a 2% share by October. Its specialization in lifestyle content appealed to a dedicated audience base.
10. The Roku Channel. The Platform Innovator
85.5 million active accounts in Q4 2024 (data from Statista)
Roku Subscription Plans
No Subscription Fee (Additional subscriptions available for premium channels starting at around $4.99/month)
The Roku Channel leveraged its platform advantage to attract 1.8% of the market by October. Offering a mix of free ad-supported content and premium subscriptions, Roku appealed to viewers looking for convenience and variety.