Streaming is getting more and more expensive. DAZN and Sky have already raised their prices, and it’s probably only a matter of time for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. RTL +, a comparatively cheap service, has now closed a mega deal. That’s clever right now. A comment by Anna Schmid
Who would have thought that RTL would launch a streaming service that could seriously compete with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus? The broadcaster was long known for trashy entertainment television à la “The Bachelor” or “In the Middle of Life”, but things seem to have changed in the meantime.
Because RTL is increasing the content portfolio of its streaming service. As the media magazine “DWDL” reports, RTL Germany and Warner Bros. Germany have entered into a multi-year cooperation. RTL+ is thus becoming a bit of the German “Home of HBO”.
In concrete terms, this means that films such as “Harry Potter”, “Fantastic Beasts”, “Aquaman”, “Batman” or “Wonder Woman” will soon be shown on the platform. Just like series like “Pretty Little Liars” or “The Big Bang Theory”.
Subscriptions are getting more expensive: are Netflix, Sky and DAZN shooting an own goal?
RTL + could now gain an important advantage
This is a remarkable expansion of the platform, which is actually better known for productions such as “Summer House of the Stars” or “Are You The One”. So far there have been some films and series that users have been able to stream on RTL +. However, the HBO offensive gives the service a more international profile.
Especially in times when many streaming portals are increasing their prices, this could become a competitive advantage. Finally, the sports platforms Sky and DAZN raised the subscription costs for some customers in February. Some people now pay twice as much at DAZN as before. And price increases are also foreseeable for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
With just once 4.99 euros per month is RTL+ as a comparatively cheap service (Netflix costs between 7.99 euros and 17.99 euros per month). Users can call up live TV, but also in-house productions as well as films and series such as “Desperate Housewives”. RTL Plus also shows the Europa League. And in the future too: HBO content.
RTL+ (RTL Plus): This is how the streaming service works
The signs for RTL + are not bad
Despite the portfolio expansion, the service is not as broad as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Anyone who wants to see elaborately produced Netflix originals or Champions League broadcasts is in the wrong place in the streaming universe of the Cologne-based private broadcaster.
The signs are not bad for RTL +. Price increases like those that DAZN recently pushed through have triggered a wave of outrage. There are still comments from angry users threatening to cancel their subscriptions under almost every DAZN Facebook post.
Higher streaming costs can lead to user migration. Also because the streaming market is increasingly fraying. Anyone who uses Netflix often also has a Disney Plus, Sky and DAZN subscription. If everything becomes more expensive, many users cannot avoid sorting out.
All RTL content is also available with an RTL+ subscription
Will RTL+ Overtake Netflix as the Most Popular Streaming Service?
A streaming service that costs as little as $4.99 a month and will also carry HBO content in the future is less likely to be eliminated. On the contrary: This could also be an incentive for many users to cancel other services and switch to RTL +.
Netflix is still the most popular streaming service among Germans, as a survey by the “Statista” platform shows. However, RTL+ also appears in the list. It is quite possible that the service will soon be pushed further forward.