The Future of Streaming Entertainment: 2015 Predictions
If I can make one prediction for 2015, it’s that it will be “The Year of Streaming Entertainment.” As the battle for eyeballs heats up between media and hardware companies like Netflix, Amazon, Apple and Google, this is one showdown I can’t wait to tune into.
In 2014, these major players in the streaming media industry continued to innovate at a rapid pace. Amazon launched its Fire TV, vying against the Apple TV, Google’s Chromecast and Roku for share of the living room. With new devices, streaming games and music, Netflix’s original programming, Hulu+, Amazon Instant Video, streaming music and more now a staple in millions of homes, what can viewers expect to see from this industry in 2015?
Big Data will duke it out with creativity for original programming
While Netflix has been mastering the art of releasing its own series under the guise of giving the masses what they want, at the heart of this conversation is a sentiment that’s a little more ominous. In a Salon.com article by Andrew Leonard, the author voices his concern over Netflix’s use of Big Data to predict audience’s entertainment preferences.
Regarding the hit show, “House of Cards,” Leonard notes, “Netflix’s data indicated that the same subscribers who loved the original BBC production also gobbled down movies starring Kevin Spacey or directed by David Fincher. Therefore, concluded Netflix executives, a remake of the BBC drama with Spacey and Fincher attached was a no-brainer, to the point that the company committed $100 million for two 13-episode seasons.”
It’s hard to fault a media company that has access to incredibly detailed data for wanting to hedge its bets and produce entertainment it knows will succeed. But does this negate all creativity in the industry and turn entertainment into a simple formula for success?
With more players in the game this coming year, these media companies will have to be on the top of their games, which means bringing to the table more than just statistics and predictions to be the real winners. Creativity and innovation will be the name of the game in 2015.
Uberstreaming is now mainstreaming
When “binge-watching” was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013, a media paradigm had already occurred. Gone are the days when audiences patiently waited while the single TV show they’ve looked forward to all week flashed on the screen before their eyes. Media consumption habits today are in stark contrast with the advent of DVR and, now, entire seasons of shows released all at once for mass enjoyment.While this shift stems from the demand of an incredible vocal audience (remember Qwikster?), one has to wonder where it goes next?
My prediction? With Big Data only painting a part of the picture, I believe streaming media companies such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Instant Video may experiment with crowdsourcing programming concepts from its most active and informed viewers. Think about it. Hulu has already integrated user feedback into its ads, why couldn’t that extend to previews or pilot episodes of original programming only released to select super-users? This gives media companies immediate audience feedback from a passionate fan base, building loyalty and awareness among niche audiences. This instant feedback, paired with Big Data could make for an action-packed result.
However next year ends up shaping out, I’m excited to sit back, relax and watch it unfold from the comfort of my living room. What are your predictions for the media streaming wars in 2015?