Netflix is the clear leader of the pack when it comes to streaming services, and while there is growing competition from Amazon, HBO Max and Disney+, the red brand has been able to build up a strong line-up of original content that has allowed it to consistently grow its customer base and dominate most markets it has launched in.
If recent research from a Digital TV Research report (via THR) is anything to go by, then things are likely to change over the next five years. Current growth trends estimates, product offerings, and global release schedules predict that Disney+ will likely reach around 294 million global subscribers compared to Netflix’s currently projected 286 million by 2026.
I guess it should go without saying that these are just predictions and there is so much that can change over the next few years. According to the report, the key to how Disney+ will be able to leapfrog over Netflix so quickly lies in India, with Netflix expected to maintain a higher subscriber count in most other countries.
Despite Netflix continuing to invest heavily in the Indian market through a strong line-up of original and classic Bollywood content, it believes that Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will likely grow rapidly to 98 million users by that time. Netflix’s growth in India has been slow and will likely only reach around 13 million subscribers. With Disney+ Hotstar essentially providing more content that is popular in the Indian market, it is believed that Disney will have the edge in this massive market, which will provide rapid growth.
It makes sense considering the size of the Indian market and subscriber base and I think one thing that we will definitely see play out over the next few years is how both companies look to win over Indian and Asian audiences because that is where their biggest growth will likely come from.
From an African perspective, Disney is still trying to find us on a map whereas Netflix has so far been doing a good job building up locally-produced content across the continent. Even though it pales in comparison to Showmax on that front, Netflix will still remain as the lead player in Africa for quite some time still.
Last Updated: February 16, 2021
sualk85
February 16, 2021 at 01:59
Can’t believe that South Africa still isn’t on the radar with regards to a Disney+ launch 🙁
Kervyn Cloete
February 16, 2021 at 03:27
Supposed to be October this year. Will reach out to our Disney contacts to see if that is still on the cards.
sualk85
February 16, 2021 at 04:54
Awesome!
HvR
February 16, 2021 at 03:38
The big unknown is the new late comers to the market, not so much how they capture market but rather that when they throw in the towel which of the 3 big services will they go to.
Tunester
December 25, 2021 at 14:04
The underlining problem is, many of us are opposed to the Disney name. It is now among the most greedy of corporate entities. Rather than blab on about all the evidence, reports, history and other forms of proof in the matter, do your own research. I for one have fed this greed over many decades and now in my latter years refuse to feed this money monster who prey on the youngsters who put this entertainment idol first in their lives and the misguided young parents who place this entity about 90% higher on their life’s priority list than it should be. In short, save yourself thousands and avoid at all cost. Dont be deluded and dont fall for it.