How do streaming services decide what content to license?
Licensing basics
Most titles on streaming services are licensed from studios or other rights holders rather than owned outright. A license covers a set region, a set time period and sometimes a set number of plays. When the license ends, the title may be removed from the service.
Licensing fees vary widely based on how popular a title is and how long the deal lasts. Services often bid on titles that bring in viewers, especially those that keep people subscribed.
- Most titles are licensed, not owned
- Licenses can last months or years
- Territory and time limits apply
- Expiring licenses can remove titles
Original shows and strategy
Many services also produce their own shows and films, which they fully own. Originals can help a service stand out, and they can be used in marketing to attract new subscribers.
Companies also consider how a title fits their plan mix. A title that appeals to families, sports fans or a niche audience may be valued differently depending on the service's strategy at the time. Because of this, a show you enjoy may be available for a while and then return later on a different service.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a show stays on a service forever once it is added.
- Thinking a licensed title is available everywhere, when licenses often vary by region.
