The streaming wars have reshaped how billions of people consume entertainment, with platforms competing fiercely for subscribers across every corner of the globe. From Hollywood giants to regional powerhouses, the world’s largest streaming services collectively reach over 1.4 billion subscribers, fundamentally transforming the media landscape and challenging traditional broadcasting models.
Netflix: 302 Million Subscribers
Netflix maintains its position at the top of the world’s largest streaming services with 302 million subscribers, cementing its status as the platform that pioneered the streaming revolution. Operating in over 190 countries, Netflix has built its empire on a combination of licensed content and ambitious original programming, from “Stranger Things” to international hits like “Squid Game.” The company’s aggressive investment in local-language content has helped it penetrate diverse markets across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, making it the most geographically distributed streaming platform in existence.
JioHotstar: 300 Million Subscribers
JioHotstar commands an impressive 300 million subscribers, making it one of the world’s largest streaming services and the dominant player in the Indian subcontinent. The platform, which combines Reliance Jio’s telecommunications infrastructure with Disney’s Hotstar content library, offers a diverse mix of Bollywood films, regional Indian programming, cricket matches, and international content. Primarily operating in India with some presence in other South Asian markets, JioHotstar has leveraged affordable mobile data plans and cricket streaming rights to build a massive user base that rivals Netflix’s global reach.
Amazon Prime Video: 200 Million Subscribers
Amazon Prime Video has accumulated 200 million subscribers worldwide, securing its position among the world’s largest streaming services by bundling video content with the broader Amazon Prime membership. Available in over 240 countries and territories, Prime Video combines original series like “The Boys” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” with licensed movies and TV shows, plus live sports broadcasting rights in various markets. The platform benefits from Amazon’s vast e-commerce ecosystem, where subscribers initially join for fast shipping but stay for the expanding library of entertainment content.
HBO Max: 128 Million Subscribers
HBO Max (now rebranded as Max in many markets) boasts 128 million subscribers, establishing itself as one of the world’s largest streaming services focused on premium content. Operating primarily in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and select other regions, the platform combines HBO’s prestigious catalog of critically acclaimed series like “House of the Dragon” with Warner Bros.’ extensive film library and Discovery’s factual programming. The service has differentiated itself through quality over quantity, maintaining HBO’s reputation for prestige television while expanding its content offerings following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Disney+: 127 Million Subscribers
Disney+ has rapidly grown to 127 million subscribers since its 2019 launch, making it one of the world’s largest streaming services and the fastest-growing major platform in recent history. Available in over 150 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, Disney+ leverages the company’s unparalleled catalog of franchises including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. The platform has become essential viewing for families and franchise enthusiasts, with exclusive series and films that can’t be found anywhere else in the streaming ecosystem.
Tencent Video: 117 Million Subscribers
Tencent Video serves 117 million subscribers, positioning it among the world’s largest streaming services and as the dominant platform in the Chinese market. Operating primarily in mainland China with some international presence, Tencent Video offers a vast library of Chinese dramas, variety shows, anime, and licensed international content tailored to Chinese audiences. As part of Tencent’s broader entertainment ecosystem, which includes gaming and social media, the platform benefits from cross-promotional opportunities and exclusive content from Tencent’s film and television production studios.
iQiyi: 101 Million Subscribers
iQiyi has built a subscriber base of 101 million users, earning its place among the world’s largest streaming services and establishing itself as a major competitor in the Chinese streaming market. Often called “China’s Netflix,” iQiyi operates primarily in mainland China and select international markets with significant Chinese diaspora populations. The platform produces high-quality original dramas, variety shows, and films while also offering anime and international content, competing directly with Tencent Video for dominance in the world’s most populous nation.
Paramount+: 77 Million Subscribers
Paramount+ has grown to 77 million subscribers, securing its position among the world’s largest streaming services following its rebrand from CBS All Access. Operating in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and select other markets, the platform combines Paramount Pictures’ film library with content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other ViacomCBS networks. Original series like “1923” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” alongside exclusive access to live sports including NFL and soccer, have helped Paramount+ differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded market.
Hulu: 55 Million Subscribers
Hulu maintains 55 million subscribers, keeping it among the world’s largest streaming services despite operating almost exclusively in the United States. The platform, majority-owned by Disney, has carved out a niche by offering next-day access to current-season network television alongside original programming like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Hulu’s unique positioning as both a hub for current TV shows and a destination for original content has helped it retain subscribers even as competition has intensified, though its geographic limitation to the US market constrains its growth compared to global competitors.
Peacock: 41 Million Subscribers
Peacock rounds out the world’s largest streaming services with 41 million subscribers, representing NBCUniversal’s entry into the streaming wars. Operating primarily in the United States with limited international availability, Peacock offers a mix of NBCUniversal content including classic sitcoms like “The Office,” Bravo reality shows, Universal films, and exclusive original series. The platform has gained traction through its tiered model that includes a free ad-supported option and by securing exclusive streaming rights to major events like WWE and Premier League soccer, though it remains the smallest of the major US-based streaming services.