Streaming piracy in the U.S. is still rampant due to several factors. One of the main reasons is the continuous price hike on streaming subscriptions.
Leading streaming services like Netflix have started to introduce ad-supported subscription plans that show ads to viewers while watching. An alternative version of it would require customers to pay an extra amount to remove the ads.
Hence, streaming piracy has increased over the years despite the enticing offers of streaming services. Torrenting or downloading is still a popular option, especially for large files of movies and TV shows.
Addressing piracy is a complex matter but understanding the deeper factors that encourage people to switch to piracy is attributed to simpler things.
Budget Constraints
At the introduction of streaming, customers were promised exclusive ad-free content for a low monthly price. Streaming companies have always justified their price hike for improving their content and services. However, many consumers are sensitive to these changes as they could hurt their monthly living expenses.
When subscription costs rise significantly, it could push customers to seek free alternatives that offer the same content, leading them to piracy. Most of the users would indulge themselves with free unlimited content without the restriction of streaming exclusivity.
Rise of Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
The accessibility of pirated content through various online platforms and torrent sites has become an easy route for consumers who dislike paying multiple subscriptions. The surge of VPN services plays a significant role in protecting piracy.
VPN will hide the user's real IP address and will route the internet traffic through a remote server. Several pirated streamers shared that they can access restricted free streaming sites in specific countries by installing a VPN.
Since the service anonymizes online activities, users can reduce the risk of receiving piracy notices or other legal actions. It is also known for providing a secure method to share pirated content.
Introduction of Ad-Supported, Ad-Free Plans
When streaming services debuted, they offered their content as an ad-free experience. Several cable companies have lost their customers due to the promising potential of streaming services.
Over the years, subscribers enjoyed their streaming experience without the interruption of ads. Streaming has become a breath of fresh air from the traditional television antics that are laced with several advertisements.
However, it has become a recent trend for companies to abolish some of their subscription tiers by adding an ad-supported plan. Users who are out of budget can opt for the cheaper version of it with ads or take the jump and subscribe to a more expensive plan without ads.
Increasing Inflation Rate
The economic downturns including the high inflation rate could push people to support piracy. Consumers are more likely to cut expenses on their leisure activities to allocate the budget to their food and housing needs.
While some companies are trying to cut down pirated sites, these key factors will always be considered by people as they turn into piracy.
