2025 is almost here, and it is likely to be one of the biggest years of change in the world of cord cutting ever.
Here are my top 5 predictions for 2025:
1. Cord Cutting Surpasses 75%: Building on the trend of the past few years, 2025 will see a dramatic acceleration in cord cutting. More than 75% of US households will ditch traditional cable and satellite TV, opting for streaming services and alternative entertainment options. This shift will be driven by rising cable costs, the abundance of streaming choices, and the increasing availability of live sports on streaming platforms.
2. Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) Continues to See Explosive Growth: With consumers becoming more price-sensitive, free ad-supported streaming channels will gain immense popularity. Services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo will see a surge in viewership as audiences embrace the cost-effective alternative to subscription-based streaming. Expect major media companies to invest heavily in their FAST offerings, leading to a more competitive and diverse landscape.
3. Streaming Bundles Become the Norm: To combat subscription fatigue and simplify the streaming experience, expect more bundled packages to emerge. Partnerships between streaming services will offer discounted combined subscriptions, allowing viewers to access a wider range of content at a lower cost. These bundles may also include other services like music streaming or cloud gaming.
4. Rise of Niche Streaming Services: While major platforms like Netflix and Disney+ will continue to dominate, niche streaming services catering to specific interests will gain traction. We’ll see more platforms dedicated to anime, classic films, independent cinema, and documentaries, offering curated content for passionate audiences.
5. Multiple Small Streaming Services Will Shutdown: A growing number of streaming services are struggling to become profitable. Look for a number of small streaming services to shut down in 2025.