Could Apple TV+ Challenge Netflix's Dominance? Its Progress Indicates Positivity
Netflix might be reigning supreme in the streaming realm, but a potential disruption could be on the horizon. Recent viewing data from Nielsen suggests that Apple is making strides, with its critically acclaimed series "Severance" placing fourth on the originals chart. Apple's second-place contender, "Silo," follows closely behind at number ten.
This is the first time Apple has managed to squeeze two shows into the top ten originals chart. The data, exclusively tracking TV set watch time within the US during January 13-19, could be a promising sign for Apple. However, it's important to note that Netflix still dominates the combined movie and series charts, filling the top four spots with "Back In Action," "American Primeval," "Younger," and "Squid Game," accruing a staggering 5.53 billion minutes viewed.
Apple's success in the streaming war, thus far, might not match Netflix's, but it's making significant strides. Critically, Apple's content has struggled to make an impact on mainstream culture. As per Bloomberg, only four of Apple's series managed to crack Nielsen's weekly originals charts in the past five years. Despite this, Apple managed to account for less than 1% of Netflix's watch time share, even surpassing popular streamers like Paramount+, which hosted the year's most watched series, "Ted Lasso."
Even with a 2023 record-breaking series under its belt, Apple still lags behind Netflix. The launch of its Android app hasn't helped much either, with Netflix's lead remaining insurmountable. Yet, hope springs eternal. Breakout hits like "Severance" and "Silo" indicate that Apple's sci-fi strategy could work. With high-quality content, Apple TV+ is shaping up to be some serious competition in the streaming scene.
The potential disruption to Netflix's dominance in streaming might come from Apple's innovative strategies. The consumer response to Apple's original series "Severance" and "Silo" has been notable, with both shows placing high on Nielsen's chart. Currently, Apple has two shows in the top ten originals chart, a first for the tech giant. Despite this, Netflix still holds a significant lead, accounting for a staggering billion-plus minutes viewed each week.
