Are We Really Watching What We’re Paying For?
We live in a time where entertainment is more accessible than ever. Just tap a screen and you’re watching the latest blockbuster, bingeing a new show, or diving into a docuseries. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hotstar dominate our screens.
But here’s the truth:
🎬 We don’t use them as much as we pay for them.
The Subscription Trap
Most of us are subscribed to multiple platforms, each charging monthly. But think about this:
- Do you watch Netflix every week?
- Did you open Disney+ at all last month?
- When was the last time you used Prime for anything other than free shipping?
If your answer is “occasionally” or “rarely,” you’re not alone.
We’re paying for convenience, but it’s coming at a steep cost.
A Multiplying Problem
New releases are now scattered across platforms. One week it’s a Netflix original, the next week it’s on JioCinema or SonyLIV. To stay updated, you have to be everywhere — and that means subscribing to everything.
Result?
💸 You’re spending ₹500–₹1500 per month on content you barely consume.
💸 And it’s all non-refundable and auto-renewing.
What If There Was a Better Way?
Here’s a simple idea:
What if instead of monthly subscriptions, you had a streaming wallet?
- Load ₹1000 into a wallet.
- Watch any content across platforms on a pay-per-view or hourly basis.
- No monthly burn, no wasted subscriptions.
- Universal access, smart spending.
Just like how UPI changed payments, a streaming wallet could change digital entertainment consumption.
You pay only when you watch.
You control how much you spend.
You’re no longer trapped in a cycle of forgotten subscriptions.
💸 The Price Tag Behind Streaming Inertia
Let’s look at Netflix, the biggest streaming name.
Annual Revenue
In 2024, Netflix generated approximately $39 billion, a strong 15.7 % increase from 2023’s $33.7 billion
Subscriber Growth
The company added a record 13.1 million new global subscribers in Q4 2023 alone, reaching over 260 million subscribers worldwide by year-end.
Annual Subscriber Additions
As of early 2025, Netflix’s total subscribers stand at ~301.6 million— up from about 260 million, implying ~41 million net additions in roughly one year.
Until Then, What Can You Do?
Here are a few tips:
- Rotate subscriptions: Pick 1–2 platforms per month.
- Use free trials strategically.
- Track viewing: Cancel services you rarely open.
- Share family plans where allowed.
Streaming should give us control, not take it away. Let’s be smarter viewers and even smarter spenders.
