Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.cbr.com
For years, Netflix dominated the streaming environment, but that changed when all the big studios launched their own platforms. Now, all of them are trying to become the next big thing, and come up with different enticing plans.
NBCUniversal has officially announced Peacock is taking a brand-new direction. While the standalone streaming service remains intact, Peacock subscribers can say goodbye to the typical platform as it announces additional partnerships with rival platforms following its YouTube deal, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Peacock Is Making Strategic Changes
Peacock isn’t one of the main streaming services directly facing Netflix. While Disney+ is getting closer to No. 2 thanks to its upcoming merger with Hulu, and Prime Video keeps securing its spot with its aggregation model that features multiple bundles, Peacock is doing that, too.
While Peacock remains a standalone service, it confirmed a multiyear bundle with YouTube early this summer. YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. gained access to ad-supported Peacock with the plan, which came with a $15.99/month service.
Per the new update, NBCUniversal continues to look for ways to expand the platform by making additional partnerships with rival platforms. This marks an interesting strategic turning point for Peacock, as NBCUniversal is aware that its streaming platform, despite having finally turned a profit this year after six years since the launch, could benefit from more exposure.
It was announced on Oct. 22 that the platform delivered its second consecutive profitable quarter, with a total of 48 million subscribers, up from 41 million the previous year. Its second-quarter profit was helped by FIFA World Cup Games, with $1.4 billion in the recent quarter, up from $1.4 billion of revenue in the same period last year. It also recently announced a price hike.
“We are interested in doing this with others as well. Different bundles will be different for different types of partners, but we’re looking to make them additive to the business,” Comcast’s co-CEO Michael Cavanagh told analysts.
Streaming Is Evolving
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Different streaming platforms realized that having a good streaming library isn’t enough anymore. Netflix alone is reportedly considering an aggregation model by teaming up with other platforms, but nothing has been announced.
Prime Video already features multiple add-ons and bundles, even though it has improved its quality and turned into one of the best places to go to for quality adaptations, alongside HBO Max. So far, HBO Max and Paramount+ are confirmed to remain standalone platforms in the aftermath of the megamerger between Warner Bros. and Paramount Skydance, so things aren’t likely to change for them, either. That doesn’t even include all the free streaming platforms that are currently gaining new ground.
With a new report indicating that streaming prices increase faster than regular cable, all platforms might find a way to keep their individual services as enticing as possible. Whether those include more quantity, a user-friendly interface, or bundles, streaming as everyone knows it is ever-changing, and NBCUniversal’s new move confirms it’s already embracing the new model to reach more subscribers.
Peacock is the streaming home of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. Fans can stream thousands of hours of culture-defining entertainment, sports and news, including current seasons of NBC and Bravo series, such as the “Law & Order” and “Real Housewives” franchises; exclusive and critically acclaimed Originals; blockbuster and award-winning recent films from Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Focus Features; America’s premier live sports and events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the NFL, Premier League, the NBA, and soon the MLB; live daily news; and an expansive library of beloved films and TV shows, including “The Office” and over 50 years of “Saturday Night Live.”
Built on powerful technology, Peacock is an engaging entertainment destination with interactive, innovative features that bring NBCUniversal’s fan-favorite content to life at home and on the go. Visit PeacockTV.com to learn more.
