Streaming platforms compete for users both young and old
The number of online streaming services have multiplied in the past five years – all striving to increase their customer base as the inflation rate continues to rise.
“We started with Netflix seven or eight years ago and it was $7.99. Now it is $19.99,” said study hall monitor Jenna Pierce. “YoutubeTV keeps fluctuating because if they lose a major network the price drops about $10 as they let the customer know it is an inconvenience.”
Tubi, a free online streaming service available online in the US and surrounding countries, pays for itself by having its users watch ads.
“It [Tubi] is pretty easy and they really don’t show ads too often,” said sophomore Charles Smith. “I just wish they had a wider variety [of shows].”
Multiple platforms compete to be the best product and secure the most customers.
“I really like Disney Plus,” said senior Erin May. “I just like how they organize it [in categories], like Disney and Marvel.”
According to sophomore Miles Dupont, usability proves to be the key factor in determining the best streaming service.
“Netflix is good because it is very easy to navigate,” said Dupont. “Hulu has a lot of ads and it is kind of annoying. But shows don’t have that many.”
According to consumers, excessive advertising influences their purchases.
“There is already so many ads on YoutubeTV. But I would probably not opt for something with more ads [even if it was cheaper],” said Pierce.
Senior Teresa Grimes said she doesn’t feel strongly about any platform in particular.
“I feel like they [streaming services] are all the same,” said Grimes. “They all have the same set ups.”
According to teachers, many documentaries cannot be watched on free platforms.
“I love using videos [in class] because it helps kids visualize the information. Not everyone learns by reading. As a Criminal Justice teacher they [videos] are effective for real life examples. We can see people who have gone through the prison system as well as lawyers, judges and police officers,” said Criminal Justice and US History teacher Nicole Noe. “The school should help [pay] because you have to pay for things like PBS, which are the ones I like to show the most.”
Rachel is a senior and this is her first year working with the Echo. She loves reading, skiing, hanging out with friends, and most of all writing.
Lizzie is a senior at Wachusett and this is her second year being a part of the Echo. In addition to working on the Echo, she enjoys doing graphic design,...
