In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we lived our lives, and one significant impact was on the entertainment industry. As theaters, movie houses, and other venues closed down to adhere to social distancing regulations, viewers turned to streaming services for their entertainment needs. As a result, the most significant players in the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform saw a significant surge in their viewership numbers. Here is a list of the top ten most watched OTT apps in 2020 during lockdown.
1. Netflix
Netflix is perhaps the most popular streaming service globally, offering a plethora of classic and original TV shows and movies. The platform also offers a range of choices for different audiences, including horror, comedy, drama, and anime. With easy accessibility, Netflix has become the go-to for any viewer looking for a quality streaming service.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is another massive streaming platform, offering excellent value to Prime members. They provide a range of original and licensed content, including movies, TV shows, and even live sports. Prime Video also has a unique feature called X-Ray, where you can pause screens and get relevant information when watching shows or movies.
3. Disney+
Disney Plus launched in 2019 and quickly became popular among families, with its vast library catering to both adults and children. The platform caters to a wide range of audiences and has plenty of original programming, including the smash hit, The Mandalorian. Exclusivity to Disney-owned movies, shows, and franchises, including Marvel and Pixar, has also contributed to the popularity of the service.
4. Hulu
Hulu is a web-based platform offering a unique experience to subscribers, where they can stream their favorite shows as they premiere on U.S. television channels. The platform boasts a massive range of popular shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Little Fires Everywhere, and Shrill, to name a few.
5. HBO Max
HBO Max is a premium streaming platform launched in 2020, offering an extensive collection of shows from HBO and Warner Bros. The service is known for its lineup of critically acclaimed shows like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Westworld. With the addition of streaming exclusive shows like Raised by Wolves, HBO Max entered the OTT market with a bang.
6. Peacock
Peacock is an ad-supported streaming service owned by NBCUniversal. It houses shows like Law & Order: SVU, Friends, and Doctor Death, among other things. The platform has a vast library with hundreds of hours of content, and is especially popular among fans of old-school shows.
7. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ entered the OTT market in 2019, boasting a range of original programming. Apple’s unique take on streaming, with a unique focus on storytelling through shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and For All Mankind, has put Apple TV+ on the map. Subscribers can get first access to new releases and forthcoming productions, and the service is also available on many Apple devices.
8. YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that allows users to watch premium channels like ESPN, Fox, TBS, and CBS live. Besides live television shows, users can access over 70 channels, including live news stations, and stream recent shows and movies. Additionally, users get access to YouTube Original series that they can stream or download.
9. DiscoveryPLUS
Discovery+ is a streaming service launched in January 2021 and quickly gained a significant following. The platform carries many non-fictional shows, such as HGTV, DIY Network, and Animal Planet, among others. Discovery+ is attractive to viewers who have cut the cord and want straightforward access to their favorite channels, making it a unique platform in a competitive market.
10. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a unique streaming service, offering anime shows and manga. Unlike most other streaming services, Crunchyroll specializes in a particular niche, which is anime and manga. The OTT platform has over 1,200 titles to choose from, including fan-favorites like Attack on Titan, Boruto, and Naruto.
In conclusion, streaming services boomed in 2020 as a result of the pandemic as viewers consumed more content while quarantining. The top ten OTT platforms mentioned above offer an impressive range of TV shows, movies, and other programming, catering to different niches and specific audiences. This is good news for viewers since the competition brings about enhanced offerings and value for money, and we can expect even more innovation and entertainment from streaming services in the future.
Nice very informative
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