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movies/tv Should more Streaming services offer free and paid models?


TheMisterManGuy

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Video streaming apps are slowly overtaking traditional TV networks. They have the benefit of being both on-demand, and multi-platform, allowing viewers to take the content anywhere. However, several of the most popular ones, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are all subscription only. While that is an attractive option for those wanting to avoid commercial interruption an get a few other perks, not everyone has the budget to add yet another streaming subscription to their monthly bill.

 

In that context, should more video streamers offer free versions? YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Twitch all come in both free and paid flavors. And some like Crackle, are free only. I believe there's room for both. Free only limits the risks you can take due to advertisers, while subscription only limits your audience, as not everyone wants to fork over $8 bucks a month multiple times across multiple services. But being free WITH a paid option seems like a happy medium. People interested can enjoy it without paying a cent, while hardcore viewers also have the option to fund directly with their subscription. It also extends to programing, as the services can still take risks even with a free ad-supported feature, as advertisements wouldn't be the only way they stay funded.

 

At least, this is the happy-go-lucky idealistic fantasy I would LIKE to believe would happen. Look, there's probably a perfectly valid business reason why Netflix or Hulu don't offer their services for free in addition to their paid models, but it would be nice if more streamers can offer both free and paid models.

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