We are at an age where cable TV is no longer the new norm and people are preferring streaming services. It makes sense since we get access to exclusive content, and we get to choose when we'll watch our favorite shows. It seems like you can't do any wrong, but you actually can. Here are common mistakes you might be making.
1. Not Using Free Trials
Most, if not all streaming services, offer free trial periods to encourage more people to subscribe for good. You can take that opportunity to determine whether the service has the shows and movies you want to watch, or if you're comfortable with the user interface. It might not even work well with the device you're using.
2. Subscribing to Several Services
Even if you spend hours upon hours consuming content, you still won't be able to go through all the content one service has, let alone several. You can subscribe to one service at a time if it has the content you like, then cancel once you're done and try to explore other services for shows you want to watch next.
3. Sharing Your Account
This might not be possible anymore, since services like Netflix and Disney+ are already cracking down on password sharing, but there are still a couple of streaming services that allow it. It's not a problem until the provider detects it, and your account might be restricted or banned. In some cases, your device would even be logged out to make room for others.
4. Not Canceling Unused Services
With the current prices of subscriptions now, which will probably increase more in the future, it's an economically bad decision to not cancel even when you're not using the service. You might've forgotten about the subscription, or that a free trial is almost over. Check your accounts to see which services are being charged.
5. Being Indecisive
When you have a lot of choices presented before you, you might fall victim to what others call "decision fatigue." What happens next is that you spend the next hour or so deciding which content to watch. To avoid this, you can either plan ahead or make use of the site's algorithm by looking through recommendations.
6. Using Weak Passwords
You should treat your streaming account just as you would with your social media account. Use a strong password so that it can't be brute-forced by hackers. Since payment methods are saved on your account, it can be dangerous when someone gains access to the account. Plus, they will mess up your algorithm if they use the account.
7. Ignoring Discounts
When it's time to subscribe, the service usually lays out all the options for you, including the discounted ones for students or seniors. If you're eligible for them, you should go for it. If the choice is not there, try to search whether or not the service actually has it. This allows you to save much more in the long run.
8. Relying Too Much on the Algorithm
Yes, it does help a lot to have the service suggest content that you like based on what you already watched, but this could lead to you missing out on good shows and films that you might like. Explore more if you can. Streaming services have a variety of options to cater to different audiences, so you'll be able to find a lot.
