Struggling to Navigate the Chaotic World of Streaming? The '+' Might Just Be Your Ally!
Stop Harassing the '+' Symbol Already
Let's face it, the streaming scene these days is an absolute cornucopia of services, and trying to keep track of them all can be a headache. But there's one little symbol that might just make things a tad easier: the '+'. You've probably seen it popping up in service names, like AMC+, Apple TV+, BET+, and Disney+. But is this seemingly innocuous addition causing a stir? Let's dive in.
My thoughts on this matter don't exactly align with my colleagues (I'm looking at you, Victoria Song). In a blog post back in September, she took issue with the proliferation of the '+' in service names. At the time, I argued that the '+' serves as a clear and concise way for consumers to understand what a product offers. Now, I admit there are instances where it doesn't entirely align with streaming services, but the general trend remains helpful.
Take Apple News+, for example, which is not a streaming service but provides expanded features. The inclusion of the '+' hints at the added value consumers get with this premium service compared to regular Apple News. And I think HBO Max would have been better served had they opted for a name like HBO+ instead of the current iteration, which led to plenty of confusion.
So, why does the '+' deserve a pass in our overwhelming world of streaming services? Essentially, it's about simplicity in a world of choice overload. With so many options available, the '+' serves as a handy shortcut for consumers, helping them quickly grasp what a service might offer without needing to delve into the details. Consider the simplicity of understanding what BET+ or Paramount+ are all about, without needing to dwell on it too long.
That being said, there is one application of the '+' I find downright bizarre: Apple TV+, the streaming service, lives on Apple TV the app, and both can be found on Apple TV the set-top box. Talk about confusing!
All in all, the '+' may not be the most groundbreaking symbol, but it certainly helps in navigating the vast expanse of streaming services. If you ask me, let's give it a break and focus on the content instead!
The '+' symbol, often seen in streaming service names like AMC+, Apple TV+, and Disney+, is a straightforward way for consumers to understand the additional features or values offered by these services. For instance, Apple News+ provides expanded features compared to regular Apple News, as indicated by the '+' in its name.
However, there are instances where the usage of the '+' might lead to confusion, such as Apple TV+, which can be found on both Apple TV the app and Apple TV the set-top box.
In a world where choice overload prevails, the '+' serves as a handy shortcut for consumers, enabling them to swiftly comprehend what a streaming service might offer without having to delve into the details. For example, BET+ and Paramount+ are easily understood with the '+' in their names.
Despite some confusion in a few cases, the '+' generally proves useful in navigating the vast array of streaming services, making content discovery less daunting. It's worth considering the symbol's role in simplifying our streaming experience, encouraging us to focus on the content rather than the branding.
