Which Streaming Platform Was Named the Best in Quality According to New Rankings

Streaming has evolved beyond merely counting subscribers or boasting extensive libraries. The emphasis is now on a more elusive metric: quality. Platforms are increasingly evaluated on their ability to retain viewers, encourage return visits, and foster meaningful engagement with content over time.

This evolution comes as streaming services pivot from a focus on rapid growth to a strategy aimed at long-term profitability. Consequently, subscriber retention and engagement have become pivotal topics in earnings calls and investor discussions.

Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro recently underscored this shift, stating, “Engagement is critical to reducing churn, [which] might be the most significant opportunity we have,” during a recent earnings conference call. His remarks reflect a widespread industry concern: maintaining subscriber loyalty is now as crucial as acquiring new ones.

However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the true meaning of “engagement.” Is it merely the total hours viewed, or should it encompass the significance of that viewing time? Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters has already expressed skepticism about equating all viewing hours. He remarked, “All hours of engagement are not the same, and we really care about the quality of that engagement,” during a recent earnings call.

This question has now been taken up by analysts who are seeking to measure streaming success in more nuanced ways.

According to insights from Wall Street research firm MoffettNathanson, analyst Robert Fishman has developed a new system called the Streaming Quality Index. This model evaluates not just how much content is consumed, but also the reasons behind that consumption and the value of the attention garnered by each platform.

Fishman’s methodology incorporates factors such as viewing habits at various times of day, demand for specific content, the strength of franchises, prestige programming, and the availability of sports or live events. The goal is to link engagement directly to revenue potential, encompassing subscriptions, price hikes, and advertising.

Utilizing this system, the rankings produced by MoffettNathanson place Disney at the top. The report attributes Disney’s success to its robust franchise ecosystem and extensive sports coverage. HBO Max follows closely behind, bolstered by its reputation for high-quality series and films.

One of the more unexpected findings is that Apple TV+ ranks third, surpassing much larger platforms. The report indicates that Apple benefits from a strong, targeted demand for its content, despite having a smaller overall library.

Netflix, often regarded as the leading player in streaming, is positioned after Apple. The analysis notes that while Netflix still excels in overall viewing demand, it falls short in franchise depth and live sports compared to its rivals. Amazon Prime Video is further down the list, despite its extensive scale and global reach.

The report emphasizes the shifting dynamics of the streaming landscape. Instead of merely questioning which service offers the most content, the industry is beginning to explore which service provides the most valuable viewing experience.

As competition heats up, platforms may increasingly be assessed not just on viewing volume but also on the depth of viewer engagement.

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