Which streaming service added the most content in Q1, 2021?
Compare content released on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+
By: Bingqing (Claire) Li, Nan Ji, Caesar Zhang, Melodie He, CU Liu
Adding content is one of the key strategies that video streaming services use to retain their users and attract more subscribers. During the pandemic in 2020, streaming service providers such as HBO Max and Hulu invested a lot to compete with Netflix and Disney+. The market becomes more competitive when it comes to the post-pandemic period and service providers have been trying their best to maintain their market shares in Q1, 2021.
Across the 4 streaming service providers (Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+), there were 829 shows released in Q1, 2021 for the US users. HBO Max had the most content released in the first quarter, which accounts for 37% of the total content. Hulu was runner-up where Netflix was very close to Hulu. Disney+ had much fewer shows released compared to the other three services: around 1/6 of what HBO Max released.
We grouped the show types mainly into Movie or TV series based on whether it’ll be released more than 2 parts/episodes a year. If yes, then we categorize them into the type of TV series. Online Standalone Videos, Music Videos, DVD Extras, and Commercials are also categorized as Video. Below is a brief guideline for the categorization from IMDb.
From the chart below, we noticed that HBO Max released 306 shows in Q1, 2021, where 68% of them were movie-related content and 29% were TV-show-related content. It is not surprising to see a ratio like this since Warner movies would be the most direct source for HBO Max to extend its content.
During Q1, HBO Max had new movies with extensive attention such as Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Classic movies such as The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Dark Knight Rises, The Green Mile, Kill Bill series, came to HBO Max as well. For movie fans of Warner Bros, HBO Max is a well-worth choice.
Netflix had a similar movie versus TV-show ratio (67%:33%) to HBO Max. Since the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Awards (popularly known as the Oscars) were happening in the first quarter, many past nominated or winning movies were streaming on Netflix again in Q1 including Saving Private Ryan, The Pianist, Into the Wild, Dances with Wolves, Rain Man, and The Pursuit of Happyness. One thing worth mentioning is that if you are Nolan’s fan or you really like his Batman trilogy, one streaming service cannot meet your need. Netflix has only Batman Begins and Dark Knight released in Q1, while HBO Max has the Dark Knight Rises.
Hulu and Disney+ had more balanced ratios (47% vs. 53%) between movies and TV shows added to their platform. However, Hulu added more TV shows than any other platforms. In fact, one of Hulu’s big advantages is that Hulu has a huge variety of shows from networks like ABC, Fox, CBS, and NBC that you can watch soon after they air. So you can now binge-watching Modern Family, Criminal Minds, and Law and Orders on Hulu and cancel your subscription anytime rather than a long-term commitment to cable TV.
Unlike Netflix and HBO Max, Hulu also has more nominated movies for the 2021 Oscars, such as Another Round, Nomadland, The Mole Agent, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Disney+ has a lot of Marvel mini-series scheduled to release this year. WandaVision was released in the mid of Q1, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier started to stream at the end of Q1. WandaVision and its production documentary, “Marvel Studios: Assembled” episode one, received great reviews and popularity. It was trending on social media for the entire February.
There were 14 movies and TV shows released by more than one service providers during Q1, 2021, but we do not necessarily find all of them top-rated shows. Only 6 of them have an IMDb rating over 7. These 6 shows are listed in the table below where states its service providers and the release date. Just be aware that some episodes could be missing from the show on a certain platform. Hulu Help Center explains them as “rolling” availability (the oldest episode will expire whenever a new episode airs and is added.)
All in all, in Q1 2021 US market, we found
- HBO Max’s effort in content purchasing and production
- Hulu’s focus on TV shows
- Netflix’s pursuit of award-winning shows
- Disney+’s dedication to blockbuster Marvel shows
