Business & Finance
Streaming subscription price hikes outpace historical cable increases, report finds
The Hollywood Reporter reports that streaming costs have climbed over three times faster than inflation since 2022.
The short version
- Digital entertainment subscription fees climbed 11.8 percent over the past year, following a 17.7 percent average jump in 2023.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- A Hollywood Reporter analysis of federal labor statistics indicates these hikes surpass traditional cable's historic 3.9 percent annual growth rate.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- A standalone bundle of eight top ad-free services now reaches roughly $151 monthly, nearing the $170-plus cost of premium cable packages.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Key facts
- Streaming rates collectively grew 11.8 percent over the past year after rising by an average of 17.7 percent in 2023.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Since 2022, overall streaming service prices have climbed at more than triple the rate of general inflation.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Historical cable and satellite television prices rose by an annual average of 3.9 percent, excluding a surge caused by deregulation in the late 1980s.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Purchasing eight major streaming platforms unbundled and without advertising now costs about $151 monthly, up from $90 four years ago.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Apple TV has tripled its price since its 2019 launch, while Disney+ has surged 172 percent from its initial ad-free price to its current ad-tier cost.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Fully loaded cable packages from providers such as Spectrum and DirecTV currently cost more than $170 a month.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Streaming Is Raising Prices Faster Than Cable Ever DidThe Hollywood Reporter metered