It is no question that over the past several years, technology has become a big part of our lives, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as millions of people became immersed in online schooling and worked from home. Despite its popularity before quarantine, streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Apple TV, Peacock, Paramount, Amazon Prime Video and several more, skyrocketed. Within all of these amazing streaming platforms, some people prefer one platform over other ones.

Netflix (1997) is a subscription-based streaming service that allows our members to watch TV shows and movies without commercials on an internet-connected device. According to techcrunch.com, around 222 million people are subscribed to Netflix.

Madeline Maggi, a junior, stated, “Netflix is better because it has a mix of everything, unlike Disney or Peacock. Plus Netflix has better made movies and series that are huge hits!”

YouTube (2005) is an American online video sharing and social media platform that is owned by Google.  According to Oberlo.com, around 500 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute worldwide and around 720,000 hours are uploaded each day.

I personally use and enjoy YouTube the most because that’s where I post my weather forecasts as well as watching storm chasing videos!

Robin Clark, a sophomore, stated, “I like YouTube over the rest of streaming companies because YouTube has my variety of interests. The videos are made by real people who aren’t acting. I like watching ‘Minecraft.’ ”

Amazon Prime Video (2006) is a subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service of Amazon.com, Inc., offered as a standalone service or as part of Amazon’s Prime subscription. As of 2020, around 200 million people across the world were subscribed to Amazon Prime Video. One special feature that Amazon Prime Video has is that it offers customers a selection they won’t find anywhere else, all available to watch on practically any device.

“I like Amazon Prime Video because it has more of a selection,” senior Julian Dent stated.

Hulu (2007) is an on-demand and live TV streaming service. However,  unlike most of its rivals in the streaming industry, when you subscribe to Hulu and create an account, you get access to a vast content library. You’ll have access to Hulu originals as well as older and adopted content. According to statistica.com, 45.3 million people are subscribed to Hulu. That number increased from its previous number 39.4 million in the previous year.

“I like Hulu because it has more shows on there,” junior Jenna Graziano expressed.

Apple TV (2007) is similar to Fire TV as well as Roku. They are streaming devices connect to your TV that can be used to watch or stream your favorite content. According to statistica.com, as of 2020, around 40 million people use Apple TV. 

Disney + (2019) is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned and operated by the Media and Entertainment Distribution division of The Walt Disney Company. According to techcrunch.com, around 41.1 million people are subscribed to Disney + around the world and roughly around 42.9 people are subscribed in the United States. 

“I chose Disney + because I love how I’m able to access all the Disney shows (new and old), Disney movies, Pixar movies and marvel movies  on one app. Disney + also has a wide variety of shows and movies that other streaming services don’t have,” freshman Taylor Sasser commented.

Peacock (2020) is an American over-the-top video streaming service owned and operated by the Television and Streaming division of NBCUniversal. Peacock has roughly around 9 million subscribers according to variety.com. One great thing about Peacock is that subscribers also gain access to more sports coverage and next-day streaming of current broadcast series!

Paramount + (2007) is a streaming service with content from CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and more! According to cnet.com, around 32.8 million people were subscribed to Paramount + at the end of last year. An interesting fact is that the 22 stars in the Paramount + logo represent the first 22 actors who were contracted with the studio during the old studio system days!

To wrap things up, there are multiple different amazing platforms to enjoy hundreds of thousands of shows, movies, podcasts and much more to enjoy. With that being said, the next time a major storm rolls in and brings us inside, sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite movies and shows!