Nothing captures a moment in time more vividly than the media we consume. Lockdown isn’t remembered only for debates over masks or rising case counts, but for Tiger King, Squid Game, Bo Burnham, and other cultural hits that defined that period.
So, what are media companies doing today? With lockdown’s obstacles behind them, are they finding their feet again? Let’s explore the biggest current streaming trends.
Embracing Online Platforms
Media companies are investing heavily in digital-first distribution. Posting highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, or exclusive teasers across social media drives huge engagement.
Streaming tools, including customised platforms, discovery features, and post-production enhancements, are now standard. These allow companies to personalise viewing experiences, which is key as audiences demand more tailored content. The ability to adapt quickly is now critical to staying relevant in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Media company Red Bee, for example, offers a range of streaming tools, including Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming, content discovery, and post-production tools. Many media companies already use such tools, but you can bet you’ll see more of them in the future.
This shift reflects a growing reliance on a customisable platform for OTT, enabling companies to reach their target audiences more effectively and engage with them.
Subscriptions and New Revenue Models
Despite headlines about subscriber losses, the reality is different. As of mid-2025, Netflix has over 301 million paid subscribers worldwide — up nearly 16% from 2023. In Q2 2025 alone, it generated $11 billion in revenue and $3 billion in net income, partly due to the introduction of a new ad-supported tier and a crackdown on password sharing.
Other players are also rethinking subscriptions. Apple now bundles music, TV, news, gaming, cloud, and fitness into its Apple One plan. From theatre to comedy to fitness apps, almost every type of media is adopting the subscription model — showing how quickly consumer behaviour has normalised paying monthly for entertainment.
What Genres Are Winning?
True Crime has exploded beyond niche fascination. Research shows that 84% of Americans consume true crime content, and 42% listen to true crime podcasts (source). This appetite translates directly to streaming platforms, where docuseries regularly dominate charts.
Shows like The Vow, Inventing Anna, and The Girl from Plainville reflect how every real-life scandal or case spawns both a documentary and a drama retelling. The genre’s popularity is also linked to the perception that it offers insight, safety awareness, and even social justice impacts.
Romantic Adaptations continue to thrive. What began with Fifty Shades and Outlander grew into Bridgerton, which has become one of Netflix’s most-watched series of all time (source). Expect more Wattpad and fanfiction-inspired stories leaping into mainstream streaming.
Dating Shows are another juggernaut. Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, and Married at First Sight have proven that audiences can’t get enough of social experiment-style reality dating formats.
Key Takeaway
The entertainment industry is no longer about simply creating shows or films — it’s about meeting audiences where they are. In 2025, that means:
Streaming-first releases with social media integration.
Subscription models that bundle and diversify.
Genres like true crime, romance, and dating shows are dominating global viewership.
For media companies, success now depends on balancing innovation with audience trust — and ensuring that the next Tiger King or Squid Game is just one stream away.
