These days, fewer people paying for cable and satellite services. Instead, more people are turning to online streaming services for their entertainment needs. If you ask your friends, chances are that nearly all of them subscribe to at least one streaming service, often having multiple. However, subscription fees can quickly add up. While it may only seem like $5 here and $10 there, it can quickly turn into a few hundred dollars each month. That’s why you should plan ahead and look for ways to get amazing savings on your streaming services.
Current Trends in Video Streaming
There is no doubt about it; online streaming is becoming the preferred way to view media. Whether for TV shows, movies, concerts, sporting events, or music, people use online streaming services in nearly every country around the world. It has also generated an immense amount of data about people’s viewing habits. Here are some of the most current trends in video streaming.
1. People flocked to streaming services when the pandemic began.
Nowadays, 80% of US households pay for at least one streaming service. This figure has steadily increased during the pandemic. Since the first outbreak, the collective time spent streaming has increased by 58%. And, people are using a range of streaming services for video, music, and audiobooks. As more options become available, streaming will only gain popularity.
2. YouTube receives 2 billion active users each month.
When you do the math, this is a staggering amount of views. YouTube receives 30 million daily users that watch over a billion hours of content. It is by far the most popular streaming service by time spent watching. Users spend six times longer watching videos on YouTube than the next closest app.
3. Netflix has more than 220 million subscribers and accounts for nearly one-third of video streaming.
Despite YouTube’s popularity, Netflix has the most paying subscribers. And, they have the most users with 34% of the streaming distribution. The future looks bright for shareholders as well since it continues to show growth, earning $7 billion in revenue during Q4 of 2021.
4. Cost, ease, and variety are the most important features for users.
When it comes to streaming services, people know what they want.
5. On average, users subscribe to 4 streaming services.
With more options now than ever people, most people subscribe to multiple services. Sometimes they are offered as a free membership benefit or for a discounted rate with bundling packages. According to the Deloitte Digital Media Trend Study, 43% of US consumers still pay for TV services as well.
What You Need to Know About Streaming Services
When it comes to your streaming services, it pays to be picky. There are tons of platforms to choose from and many come at a discounted rate if you bundle the services. You may also receive discounts or credits from your credit card company if you purchase a subscription through their shopping portals. But, you will likely only use a few of them. So, decide which ones have the shows and movies you enjoy most. Many also offer free trials before you commit to a specific package or platform.
However, you should be aware that not every deal works the same way. Read the fine print and ask questions when you don’t understand. It will serve you well to know if you qualify for the promotional savings and when you can cancel without being charged. There may also be special instructions to redeem special promotions or discounts.
Amazing Savings for April 2022
So, where can you find amazing savings on your streaming services? Here are the best deals for April 2022.
Netflix
Basic subscription rates start from $8.99 a month. However, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial. And, you also receive a free subscription with select T-Mobile plans.
Hulu
Hulu subscriptions start from $5.99 a month. And, new members receive their first month free. If you aren’t ready to commit, you also have the option of a one-week free trial. Many airlines offer bonus miles when you purchase a subscription through their shopping portals. However, you get the best deal if you purchase the bundle which includes Disney+ and ESPN which saves you 25%.
Disney+
Memberships start at $7.99 a month and also offer a one-week free trial. Select Verizon plans also offer six months of service for free. The best overall deal is when you bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 a month. But, you can also get $12.50 cashback through Rakuten or airline miles through the shopping portals. However, if you only want a single streaming service, you can save more if you pay for the year in full for $69.99.
Amazon Prime Video
The good news is that if you have an Amazon Prime account, then you already have this included with the membership costs of $14.99 per month. There are also Amex and Chase credit card offers to redeem a membership for points.
ESPN+
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the same sweet deal by bundling with Hulu and Disney+ for only $12.99 a month for a 25% savings. The other option is $18.99 if you prefer ad-free viewing.
Sling TV
Right now, Sling TV is giving new members free primetime access from 5 p.m. until midnight. Unfortunately, this offer is only valid until May 15. Outside of this discount, you can earn airline miles when you purchase it through their shopping portals. Or, you could opt for Amex’s $10 cashback offer which can be used in addition to their streaming credit for Amex Platinum.
Tips to Find Amazing Savings on Streaming Services
If you are comparing rates and plans, here are a few tips to help you find amazing savings.
- Look for promo codes and coupons. You can go online, check weekly ads and circulars, or sign up for promotional emails and exclusive offers. Sites like Rakuten may offer additional discounts.
- Pay attention to expiration dates. Otherwise, you may wind up paying more if the coupon or code is rejected.
- Wait to shop during seasonal sales to score bigger savings. You could get up to 75% during Black Friday deals.
- Many credit cards offer discounts or cashback offers. Check with your provider to see if you can get discounts or points through their shopping portals.
- Take advantage of online savings over in-store purchases.
- Join loyalty programs for stores where you frequently shop. Then, you can rack up points for future savings.
- Ask about price matching policies.
- Cancel the ones you don’t use.
- Share subscriptions when possible.
- Skip the ad-ons. Stick with non-premium subscription plans for the lowest prices.
Good luck and happy hunting!
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.