Why streaming services keep beating cable TV in the US

Streaming is rapidly overtaking cable TV. The latter was once the medium everyone used to watch television, but now, after surpassing cable TV in 2022, streaming is solidifying its position as the default way to consume visual entertainment.

Streaming Has Surpassed Cable in the US
Nielsen’s report in 2022 revealed that streaming had surpassed cable TV in the US for the first time ever. And that trend has continued, as spelled out in Nielsen’s 2023 report.

Why is that? Is it because streaming is usually cheaper? Is it the convenience of on-demand viewing? Maybe it’s because you’re not tied down with long contracts, and you can watch on almost any device, anywhere. And let’s not forget the appeal of access to global content.

Let’s take a deeper look at the reasons people are increasingly choosing streaming over cable TV.

Why Streaming Has Overtaken Cable TV
A lot of millennials and zoomers picture a beaten-up old box set when they hear cable TV. While this isn’t entirely true, cable TV has failed to keep up with the times in many ways. On the contrary, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have consistently evolved to capture audience interest.

1. Content Gap
Cable TV is airing very few new shows in 2023. It’s also pulled many older shows from its lineup, leaving fewer options for viewers who want to watch episodes of their favorite classic shows.

In contrast, streaming services like Netflix are not only producing hit new shows but also acquiring beloved older series. This dual approach offers something for everyone, so the decision to stream is a no-brainer.

2. Viewer Fatigue
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu use smart algorithms to learn what you like to watch and suggest similar shows or movies to what you’ve watched last. You’re less likely to get bored or tired from searching for something to watch. This is how they combat viewer fatigue. Most of their plans are also ad-free.

On the other hand, cable TV is a breeding ground for viewer fatigue. Endless ads make it hard to really get into a show or movie. And if you don’t know what to watch, you’ll find yourself flipping through channels, unable to find something that grabs and holds your attention.

3. Diverse Content Library
For fans of specialized genres like Asian dramas or anime, cable TV falls short. By quite a way. The content either doesn’t exist or is buried so deeply that it’s impossible to find.

Streaming platforms offer a diverse library of content that caters to a broad range of interests, especially when you compare it to the generic choices available on cable. There is a wide range of niche streaming platforms for specific tastes; Arrow for cult movies, Mubi for arthouse cinema, and Crunchyroll for anime are great examples. Mainstream streaming platforms also have pretty versatile collections of their own.

4. Adjustable Quality
One often-overlooked advantage of streaming platforms over traditional cable is the quality of the streaming itself. Modern streaming services offer high-definition and even 4K quality for many of their titles—especially important for content with intricate details and high production value.

Services like Netflix also provide the flexibility to adjust streaming quality settings to go easy on your internet speed, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. This is in stark contrast to cable, where you cannot control fluctuations in quality and this can happen at any time.

Cable TV, although capable of HD broadcasting, often compresses its signal due to bandwidth limitations, especially during peak viewing hours. As explained by The TV Answer Man!, this compression can lead to a decrease in picture quality, including issues like pixelation or sound lag.

5. On-Demand vs. Strict Schedules
Unlike cable TV, which binds you to specific broadcast times and locations, streaming services give you the ability to watch your preferred content anytime, anywhere—even on your phone during your daily commute or at the gym. While cable remains rigid and confined, streaming adapts to your lifestyle, often at a lower cost, especially with mobile-only plans.

6. Summer Break
When school’s out for the summer, young people have way more time on their hands. That’s prime time for binge-watching. Streaming services get this, and they roll out all sorts of new shows and movies to keep people hooked.

Cable TV, though? Not so much. They usually stick to their usual programming, and that’s a missed opportunity. They’re not adapting to the times or the audience, and that’s costing them, especially when kids have more free time.

The Future of Cable TV in a Streaming-Dominated World
While the landscape may look challenging for traditional cable TV, it isn’t all doom and gloom. Seasonal sports airings keep people on the hook for cable subscriptions, but these only offer a temporary boost to cable’s viewing numbers. Choosing to stream is the new norm, for the content, convenience, and personalized experience these services offer. Make Use Of