Global SVOD subs to reach 1.79 billion by 2029

Global subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) subscriptions are expected to increase by 321 million to reach 1.79 billion by 2029.

That is according to the latest estimate by Digital TV Research, which predicts the “Big Six” US-based streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+) will collectively grow subscribers from 751 million in 2023 to 946 million in 2029.

Netflix is expected to remain the largest single platform and add 44 million subscribers over the next six years.

Digital TV Research principal analyst Simon Murray noted that streaming companies that are already profitable will be more likely to find success in the medium-to-long-term future.

“Platforms now measure their success through profitability,” he said. “This means that already-profitable Netflix will benefit more than its US-based counterparts.”

In their latest earnings calls, executives at both Warner Bros Discovery (which owns Max, formerly HBO Max) and Disney emphasised the importance of reaching streaming profitability through instituting cost-cutting measures.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said the entertainment giant expects its combined streaming businesses (which include Disney+, Disney+ Hotstart, Hulu, and ESPN+) to reach profitability by Q4 2024.