Highlight
- Types of streaming services include video, music, and live-streaming platforms.
- To get the most out of it, users can choose the platform that aligns with their entertainment preferences.
- Recommendation algorithms will personalize suggestions based on the user’s viewing and listening history.
Streaming services have made entertainment consumption convenient like never before.
From movies and TV shows to music, reality shows, Live events, and podcasts, streaming platforms today offer an unparalleled range of entertainment at home.
However, with so many choices available at our fingertips, we often feel unsure of what to watch and how to get the most out of paid streaming subscriptions.
To help out with this, our team at MyMobiles have compiled a comprehensive guide for streamlining your streaming experience.
This guide will be able to help you navigate the world of streaming and get the most out of your subscription.
Make Sure You Understand the Available Options
Before diving into the world of streaming, the first and foremost step is to understand the different types of services available.
You should also pay attention to what they offer and how it can match your requirements.
There are three primary categories of streaming services:
- Video Streaming Services
These include platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.
They offer a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content for subscribers to stream on-demand.
- Music Streaming Services
While you have platforms to watch your favourite movies and TV shows, there are also services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal that are here to curate your music playlists.
These platforms provide access to millions of songs and albums for streaming and offline listening.
They also offer personalized playlists and recommendations depending on popular plays in the different music genres.
- Live Streaming Services
We also have platforms for live streaming.
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live allow users to watch live broadcasts of gaming, music, sports, news, and other events in real-time.
Since every streaming platform caters to different purposes, it becomes essential to choose the one that aligns with your interests and needs.
Always Choose the Right Subscription Plan
Once you finalise the type of streaming service best suited to your needs, the next step is to choose the right subscription plan.
All streaming platforms have multiple subscription plans with different features, validity options and prices.
Before you pick any subscription plans, ask yourself the following questions:
- How is the Content Library? Does the subscription plan include access to all the content you want to watch/listen to, or do you need to upgrade for additional shows, movies, or songs?
- Is the streaming quality good? Keep in mind that higher-tier plans often offer better video and audio quality. These high-end plans include options for 4K Ultra HD and lossless audio streaming.
- How many devices will be allowed to stream? Some platforms have plans that put a limit to the number of devices that can stream simultaneously on one subscription.
If you want to share your subscription with family and friends, make sure you choose a plan that allows multiple devices to stream simultaneously. - Does it allow offline downloads? Many users prefer streaming while travelling or when they are outside the home when internet service might not be the best.
So, if you too are frequently travelling or plan on watching your favourite show when you know you will have limited internet access, make sure you check the offline download option.
Always consider a plan that allows you to download content for offline viewing/listening. - Does it provide a complete Ad-Free experience? Most streaming services have ad-supported content and premium plans to go completely ad-free. The free content is also limited and might not include the shows or movies that you want to watch. So, always decide if you’re willing to tolerate a few ads during streaming or if you rather prefer an uninterrupted experience.
Personalizing Streaming Recommendations
Streaming services provide many features and one of the best is their ability to personalise every user’s streaming experience based on their watch history and preferences.
Personalized recommendation is one feature that you need to utilise properly to make the most of it. Here’s how you can do that.
- Rate and Review what you watch: Always rate and review when you watch/listen to some content. When you provide feedback, it helps the streaming platform algorithm to understand your taste and it can come back to you with better auto recommendations. It will automatically show you content that you will most probably like.
- Create Your Profile: This is specifically important in case you plan on sharing your account with others. Always start by creating separate profiles for yourself and recommend the other users create one profile for themselves as well.
- Explore Recommendations: Every streaming platform has a functioning algorithm that ensures you get the content you like. Take advantage of the platform’s algorithms. Start by exploring recommended shows, movies, playlists, and channels based on your interests.
Stay Up-to-date On Original Content
Streaming platforms, whether it is music or video, keep adding exclusive and original content for their users.
From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed TV shows and award-winning documentaries, streaming platforms invest in producing original content to attract subscribers.
To be able to make the most out of the streaming services, the most important step is to up-to-date on their content calendar.
Here’s how you can stay up-to-date –
- Keep an eye out for announcements and release schedules for upcoming original content on your preferred streaming platforms.
- Take the time to explore the platform’s catalogue of original content and discover hidden gems that you may not have heard of before.
- Follow your favourite directors, actors, musicians, and content creators on social media to stay updated on their latest projects and collaborations.
- Engage with the virtual events, premieres, and Q&A sessions with creators and talent.
Managing Your Steaming Subscriptions and Avoid Overspend
Since we have too many streaming platforms available today, the chances of subscribing to multiple platforms can increase monthly bills.
There are many ways you can avoid subscription fatigue and overspending. Consider the following steps –
- Regularly assess the streaming services you use.
- Consider cancelling or pausing subscriptions that you rarely use.
- Check all the bundle deals and discounted subscription packages.
- Share subscriptions with family or friends whenever possible to avoid multiple subscriptions.
- Use trials to test the streaming platforms wisely.
Follow the above suggestions and relax!
Once you get the hack of it, the streaming platforms will open up new worlds of entertainment and discovery.
Happy streaming!
FAQs
Q1. Do streaming services collect data?
Answer. Whenever a user visits a webpage or starts watching a stream or a video, all involved vendors log all requests in their access logs on their servers, including the user’s IP address, which is personal data.
Q2. Can I share my Netflix password with someone?
Answer. Although the streaming giant put an end to unofficial password sharing, you can still share a password with someone outside your household, but for a price.
Q3. How much does a Spotify plan cost in India?
Answer. The Spotify Premium prices in India are different depending on which Premium plan you choose: The Spotify Premium Mini plan costs ₹7 for 1 day, the Premium Individual plan costs ₹119 per month, the Premium Duo plan costs ₹149 per month, the Premium Family plan costs ₹179 per month, and the Premium Student plan costs ₹59.
Q4. How can check if my device is compatible with the streaming app?
Answer. When viewing an app on the Google Play Store, scroll down to the “Additional Information” section. Here you can find compatibility-related information.
Also, Make sure your streaming device (smart TV, streaming stick, gaming console, etc.) is compatible with the streaming service and supports the desired features, such as 4K streaming or Dolby Atmos audio.
Q5. How many screens are allowed on Amazon Prime?
Answer. Amazon Prime video can be downloaded on multiple devices and up to 3 devices can stream simultaneously with the same login credentials and only 2 devices can simultaneously view the same title/content.
Also Read: New on Prime Video: All the Movies and Shows Coming to Prime Video in February 2024
Also Read: January 2023 Movie Calendar: Netflix, Disney Hotstar, Prime Video Must-Watch Movies