Internet penetration has been expanding around the globe. The world is currently at 56% usage around the world and while there are numerous things for which the internet can be used, entertainment is what takes up most of the international bandwidth. People love to stream and enjoy content from a variety of services. In 2019, there were more than a billion minutes of content watched across the globe. The demand for content is tremendous.
Since consumers are asking for it, suppliers are happy to oblige. However, now we are at a point where it feels like the market is becoming saturated. Almost every channel and entertainment group has launched its own streaming platform. These channels hold exclusive rights for the programs they produce so users have to pay separately for each service if they want to enjoy the shows that they love. This is coupled with geographic restrictions to make things even worse.
How big is the streaming market?
Collectively, the streaming market is expected to grow upwards of about $125 billion by 2025. The industry is experiencing growth of almost 20% per annum. This is an impressive ratio and it shows the potential of the market. Individual services are competing for market share quite vehemently. Users are split and shared between different platforms which are based in different countries. USA and UK are home to some of the biggest streaming services and channels in the world.
The single biggest entity in the market is Netflix. It has more than 153 million subscribers and counting. The company is based in the US so the best of its content is dedicated towards the same market. There are a number of shows and movies on the platform that are exclusively available to audiences inside America. Other services include Amazon Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu and several others. Unfortunately, all of these resort to content restrictions.
Why channels restrict content?
Different channels around the world place limitations on where their content can be viewed. To watch BBC iPlayer abroad, you have to use proxies because otherwise, the channel is not available for viewership outside the UK. It is a similar case with other channels too. The reason that these platforms provide is either the fact that they lack licenses to broadcast in a particular region or that they don’t see enough demand for their content.
Both these issues may seem justifiable but at the end of the day, it means that residents of a country can’t watch their favorite shows while traveling or living in other countries. Similarly, citizens of other nations don’t have access to these channels either. Licenses sometimes cost a lot of money and a lack of demand means that the channel would lose revenue if they broadcast in that country. As a result, content restrictions are put in place.
Popular channels and shows
There is a number of channels from entertainment groups around the world that broadcast cable content digitally. Channels that are native to the United States include the Paramount Network, History, National Geographic, Comedy Central, USA Network, Animal Planet, E! and Oprah Winfrey Network to name a few. These channels are beside the host of streaming services that broadcast original and licensed content like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
These channels air content including Suits, Mr. Robot, The Purge, Queen of the South and Treadstone, etc. Then there are some impressive channels in the UK as well. These include BBC, Sky, Fox Network, Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, NBC, Discovery, Sony Pictures, UKTV, and ITV. Some of the most exciting programs include Doctor Who, The Great British Bake Off, Peaky Blinders, Luther, Line of Duty, The Crown, Bodyguard, Sherlock Holmes, The Office, Killing Eve and Downtown Abbey, etc.
Possible ways to stream content anywhere
There can be a number of ways to access and stream content anywhere. Some of these don’t require advanced computer knowledge but others do. In short, the simplest way to access any content from all over the world is to use a VPN. This is effective because there is nothing wrong with using the service and it works quite soundly. It enables users to mask their identity by rerouting the normal internet traffic to ensure both online safety and internet freedom.
Using a VPN and the things to look out for
VPNs are simple to use. All it takes is to download the application and sign up for a subscription. The rest is just clicking and play. Some features that a VPN should have are extensive servers, public Wi-Fi security, unlimited or a large bandwidth, ability to defeat ISP throttling and smart purpose selection as an added feature. These are the most important features that ensure a VPN has the power to help you access TV channels across the world easily.
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Neha Nidhi
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