Disney’s imminent paid streaming service Disney+ is expected to claim 101 million subscribers globally by 2025, growing faster than Netflix, Apple TV+ and Amazon.
According to Digital TV Research, Netflix will take its total to just over 235.5 million over the same period with an addition 70 million paying subscribers – however only six million of those will be added in the US.
Meanwhile, Amazon is expected to total 135 million subscribers, Apple TV+ 27 million and HBO Max 30 million (excluding non-payers).
The total across all five global SVOD platforms will therefore double over the next six years, growing by 257 million subscribers to 529 million.
“Competition is intense, with several platforms ‘reclaiming’ content from others and with price wars in place. Furthermore, there are several exclusive distribution deals,” said Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research.
Although the US remains the most important single market for these platforms, it is also the most mature, meaning international markets are becoming increasingly significant.
According to Murray, only 29% of Netflix subscribers will be in the US by 2025, while for HBO Max – due to launch in the US May next year – the proportion will be as high as 80%.
Disney+ is set to launch in the US on November 12, though it will not come to the UK until 31 March 2020 due to licensing agreements with Netflix and Sky. Apple TV+ launched globally on November 1 for £4.99 a month in the UK.
