For those marred by cynicism, I have something more to help fuel the embittered feelings inside you. Disney+ has been released for a few months, and its success has proven the power of nostalgia. While they do have some original content, the massive back catalog of content is really where it’s at. Given that the service has managed to bring in a hefty 28.6 million users in less than three months, it’s clear that this thing is a massive success for the House of Mouse. But is it as good as Netflix?
Of course, Netflix was the first big player to the streaming game, and while the rest of us fools thought it was strange of them to jump into original content, they were wise to do so. Now, virtually everyone else is opening their own service, pretty much leaving the streamer in wither and die. But that’s not happening because Netflix has spent billions and billions of dollars every year on original content.
As such, audiences have been given more content than they can shake a stick at for the past several years. This includes original TV series and feature films — much of it from A-list talent, to boot. Yet, in spite of all the money Netflix has been spending, three short months is all it took for Disney to make a solid stance in the marketplace.
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According to a new survey by consumer-research firm Piplsay, 49% of consumers surveyed believe that Disney+ is “as good as” Netflix. About 28% think it’s not as good and 23% think Disney+ is better. So is the power of nostalgia and comfort food.
I’m not immune to this. Objectively, I do think Netflix provides a better deal than Disney+. They have content ranging from fun and mindless all the way to dark and prestigious. However, they don’t have the nostalgia attached to the service that Disney does. With Disney+, I find myself heading there after a hard day where I can veg out, watch a terrible Disney channel original movie or fun cartoon. Or maybe I can relive nostalgia with a classic film. For more challenging and diverse content, I, of course, head to Netflix.
Both forms of consumption are perfectly valid, though there’s something to be said about the escapism Disney+ offers that is virtually unparalleled. And all of this comes before the service even has any original content momentum. In about five to ten years, they’ll have hundreds or thousands of hours of content all banking on established I.P., so we’ll never have to leave our childhood bubbles again.
I know, it sounds kind of negative saying it that way, but I really hold nothing against anyone who consumes that way. I do it all the time, and it’s the reason why I tend to go to Netflix when I actively want to watch something versus just letting it pour over me. At the end of the day, most consumers have normal, everyday jobs and just want to escape when they get home. It’s clear that Disney+ is offering that very thing.
But what do you think? Do you agree with the surveyed consumers and do you agree with my assessment? Let us know your thoughts down below!
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SOURCE: Variety
