The Evolution of Streaming Services: From History to Bundling Options for Smart TVs

These days, streaming is the way to watch shows, listen to music, and even play many popular games. Practically every home is signed up under at least one streaming service, and many Americans are subscribed to several – often in convenient bundles.

But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that streaming was a novelty. Today, let's take a look back and explore the history of streaming services, from their earliest iterations to the modern mega-platforms delivering best-in-class media straight to our TVs.
 

When Did Streaming Services Start?

Streaming services began taking shape earlier than you might think: in the mid-1990s, to be specific, which is when advances in Internet technology made digital media delivery possible.

At its core, streaming is just the transmission of data in real-time, so a picture, song, or video is rendered or recompiled byte by byte. Before streaming, downloading required users to wait for a full file to transfer before they could open or view it.

However, although streaming was possible in the 1990s, the infrastructure of the time posed significant limitations. Dial-up Internet was slow, video quality was poor, and buffering was a constant issue. Despite these challenges, innovators began to explore the potential of streaming. It wasn't yet a mainstream phenomenon, but the seeds of the streaming evolution were already being planted.
 

What Was the First Streaming Platform?

The earliest notable streaming platform wasn’t Netflix. It was RealNetworks' RealPlayer, launched in 1995. This software allowed users to stream audio and video files, marking the first significant step toward on-demand media consumption. While RealPlayer wasn’t widely adopted due to technical constraints, it set the stage for future developments.

In 1999, the platform introduced RealVideo and RealAudio, further advancing the concept of streaming. Around the same time, other pioneers like Broadcast.com began exploring live event streaming. Even though these efforts were rudimentary by today’s standards, they paved the way for the eventual rise of platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
 

How the Streaming Revolution Took Off

Despite its modern-day importance, streaming didn’t become a dominant form of media consumption overnight. The streaming revolution unfolded in waves, driven by technological innovation and shifts in consumer behavior. Let’s dive into the key eras that shaped modern streaming.
 

The Early 2000s Era

The early 2000s marked the beginning of mainstream streaming adoption by the public. Netflix, which had begun as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997, made a bold pivot to streaming in 2007. This move was only possible thanks to the growing availability of broadband Internet, which offered faster speeds and better reliability than dial-up connections.

Netflix’s streaming service initially featured a small library of movies and TV shows, but its on-demand model resonated with consumers who were tired of rigid cable TV schedules. At the same time, YouTube revolutionized user-generated content, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to upload and share videos.

While these platforms were game changers, they weren’t alone. Companies like Apple were also making strides in digital media with services like iTunes, where users could purchase and download music, TV shows, and movies. Overall, this era laid the groundwork for the explosion of streaming services in the next decade.
 

The Streaming Wars of the 2010s

If the 2000s were defined by innovation, the 2010s were all about fierce competition among streaming platforms, leading to what many refer to as the streaming wars. By this time, Netflix had established itself as a leader, but new players like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video rapidly gained ground.

Hulu, launched in 2008, offered a unique model that combined live TV with on-demand streaming, appealing to cord-cutters looking for a cable TV alternative. Amazon Prime Video (then called Amazon Unbox) was introduced in 2006 but significantly expanded in the 2010s. It began bundling its streaming service with Amazon Prime memberships, adding value to an already popular subscription.

The real turning point came when Netflix began producing original content. Shows like House of Cards and Stranger Things attracted massive audiences and demonstrated that streaming services could rival traditional networks in quality and cultural relevance. Other platforms followed suit, investing heavily in exclusive content to differentiate themselves.

By the late 2010s, the market was crowded with new streaming platforms like Disney+ (2019), Apple TV+ (2019), and HBO Max (2020). This proliferation of platforms created unprecedented choice for consumers but also led to "subscription fatigue” that reminded users of having to pay for separate channel bundles with traditional cable.
 

The Golden Age of the 2020s

The 2020s are marked by a blend of technological innovation and diverse content offerings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of streaming services, as lockdowns forced people to seek entertainment at home. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video experienced record subscriber growth during this period.

Meanwhile, new streamers like Peacock and Paramount+ further diversified the market. The 2020s have also seen an increase in niche platforms like Crunchyroll and Shudder, catering to specific audiences (anime and horror, respectively).

This era is characterized by both abundance and fragmentation. Consumers now have access to a staggering array of content but often face the challenge of juggling multiple subscriptions. This has fueled the rise of streaming service bundles, which combine multiple platforms into a single package for a discounted price.
 

Today’s Streaming Market

Today, the streaming market is more advanced and accessible than ever, thanks in large part to the prevalence of smart TVs.

These televisions come equipped with built-in apps for popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, eliminating the need for external devices such as Roku or Amazon Fire Stick. With just a few clicks, users can access their favorite content directly through their TV interface, making streaming more seamless than ever before.

Smart TVs have also contributed to the growing popularity of streaming service bundles and premium channel packages. For example, the Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, offering a wide range of content from family-friendly movies to live sports. Similarly, platforms like Amazon Prime Channels allow users to add subscriptions like HBO Max and Starz to their existing Prime Video accounts.

These bundles address a key pain point for consumers: managing multiple subscriptions. By offering streamlined access and discounted pricing, bundles make it easier for users to enjoy diverse content without breaking the bank.
 

Enjoy the Freedom of Streaming with Shentel

With the right TV service, the freedom and flexibility of streaming your favorite shows is more accessible than ever. Shentel TV offers live news and sports channels and seamless streaming connectivity all in a single platform, complete with modern features like saved recordings, voice remote control, and more.
 

Need Internet and phone, too? Good news: you can get all three services bundled together for a great price. Reach out today to learn more!