8 Developments That Will Change Streaming Forever

Netflix has instigated its biggest price hike in North America this week, with an increase of between $1 and $2 depending on the plan. That’s a subtle reminder of the fiscal challenges Netflix faces in its race to commission hundreds of hours of content.

Netflix is accumulating debt at break neck speed, $10 billion worth at the last count, with spending commitments already in place that will see that triple in the coming years. Streamers may jostle to position themselves as either budget or premium services going forward, and those with the deepest pockets will be well positioned to undercut their competitors. Value for money is likely to become a deciding factor in the race for subscribers.

That'll raise plenty of questions for commissioners as some of Netflix's biggest hits, such as Rom-Com sensation To All The Boys I've loved Before were made on very modest budgets. Meanwhile some of the streamer's most expensive shows, such as The Get Down and Sense8 were uncerimoniously cancelled due to lack of interest.

We know from cable TV that channels tend to find a brand identity and stick to it, so a price war among streamers may result in similar diversification online.