Streaming Platform
A digital service that delivers video content over the internet on-demand or live, like Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max.
Definition
Streaming platforms are subscription or ad-supported services that deliver film and television content via internet rather than traditional broadcast or physical media. They combine content library, recommendation algorithms, and distribution infrastructure to serve global audiences.
Platforms have disrupted traditional entertainment economics by funding original content, acquiring distribution rights, and changing viewer behavior from scheduled programming to on-demand consumption. They compete on content quality, library size, user experience, and pricing.
Why It Matters
Streaming platforms have fundamentally restructured the entertainment industry. For creators, they provide new funding sources and distribution channels outside traditional studios. For audiences, they've made vast content libraries instantly accessible at low monthly costs.
Platform strategies shape what gets made. When Netflix invests heavily in international content, global production increases. When platforms emphasize volume over quality, the market shifts accordingly. Understanding platform economics and strategies is essential for anyone creating or distributing entertainment content.
Examples in Practice
Netflix's investment in "Stranger Things" creates a global phenomenon that drives subscription growth and establishes the platform's original content credibility.
A filmmaker bypasses theatrical distribution entirely, selling their film to Amazon Prime Video for upfront payment that exceeds projected box office—fundamentally changing their business model.
Disney+ launches with deep catalog (Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar) plus exclusive originals, reaching 100 million subscribers in 16 months through strategic content positioning.