Streaming news covering Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, content releases, subscriber trends, and streaming platform developments.
YouTube surpassed Netflix in average daily viewing time per account in 2025, with 99.1 minutes versus Netflix's 93.4 minutes. TV viewing on YouTube grew from 28% to 35% of total time, while mobile declined. YouTube also secured exclusive Oscars streaming rights.
The Canadian government directed the CRTC to review its requirement that streaming services contribute 15% of Canadian revenues to Canadian content, citing consumer costs. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the levy would raise subscription costs, and the U.S. has cited the law as discriminatory.
Amazon will introduce ads and remove offline downloads for Prime Music subscribers starting July 2, 2026, unless they upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited. HD and Spatial Audio will also be removed. The change currently affects users in India and Australia.
This commentary argues that HBO Max is poised for a strong Emmy showing, potentially winning top drama and comedy awards, which would serve as a final triumph before its absorption into Paramount+. The author contends that HBO's strategic evolution under Casey Bloys, including expanding the Max label and leveraging IP, has positioned it for success despite industry uncertainty.
Plex unveiled Discussions, Lists, Match Score, and Alerts, aiming to compete with platforms like Reddit and Letterboxd. Discussions launches this month with AI and human moderation, while Lists enables sharing with emoji reactions. Match Score predicts user enjoyment based on viewing habits.
This commentary argues that Emmy success could provide a strategic boost for streaming platforms Peacock and Paramount+, which have struggled to break through in major scripted categories. It contends that awards legitimacy attracts talent and industry respect, drawing parallels to the historical Emmy breakthroughs of Netflix and Amazon.
This commentary argues that foreign regulations, such as Canadian content quotas and EU mandates, are raising costs for American streaming consumers. It contends that these policies function as digital protectionism, distorting markets and limiting consumer choice, and calls on the US government to push for fairer rules.
This commentary argues that Netflix's 'Mating Season' serves as a worthy successor to 'Big Mouth,' shifting focus from puberty to young adult dating with an animal cast. While it shares the same creative team and crude humor, the article contends it lacks the originality of its predecessor, feeling smaller and less revelatory.