5 Biggest Online Streaming Companies in the World

1. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)

Number of Subscribers: 221.64 Million

When it comes to the biggest online streaming companies in the world, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) wins hands-down owing to the sheer number of subscribers it has across the world. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) was launched in August, 1997 in Scotts Valley, California by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. 

It did not directly start out as a streaming service given that internet back then was frustratingly slow. Instead, the founders created a Brick and Mortar store where they’d keep DVDs and started Netflix to give members access to the list of DVDs available which they could then rent. 

However, when it did switch the business model, it was one of the first video-on-demand streaming services in the world. Contrary to what most might think, Netflix gained in popularity rather gradually after it picked up pace around 2013. A lot of shows on Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) have enjoyed immense popularity around the world with many of its shows, characters becoming pop culture icons. 

Some of the most popular originals to stream on Netflix include Lucifer, Peaky Blinders, Money Heist and Squid Games. Squid Games was arguably one of the most popular shows in streaming history. According to Nielsen, it amassed a record 3 billion minutes streamed in just a week, from September 27 to October 3 in 2021. Despite the rising competition, the streaming company is going strong. In its 2022’s Q1 earnings report, it showed a revenue of $7.87 billion. 

When it comes to the business model, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is a fully paid service and offers three plans, i.e basic, standard and premium. Basic option goes for $9.99 per month, the standard one goes for $15.49 and premium goes for $19.99 per month. 

You can also take a peek at 5 Best Movies on Amazon Prime and 5 Most Valuable Entertainment Companies in the World

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