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As technology has advanced, the ways in which people access entertainment have drastically changed. Gone are the days when you had to go to a movie theater or video rental store to watch the latest film. Now, more and more people are turning to free streaming services online to get their entertainment fix. While incredibly convenient for viewers, this shift has had a major impact on the entertainment industry as a whole. In this essay, I will explore the rise of free streaming, using the hugely popular show “Baddies East” as a case study, and discuss its effects on entertainment business models.
The internet has enabled the massive growth of free streaming through sites like YouTube and DailyMotion. Viewers no longer have to pay for cable packages or even subscribe to streaming services to watch their favorite shows and movies. For example, though “Baddies East” airs on a traditional cable channel, many of their viewers actually watch the show later online for free. Fans eagerly await newly aired episodes to be posted, often just hours later, so they can watch baddies east online free instead of tuning in live or recording on their DVRs. This on-demand mentality represents a monumental shift in how people are consuming media today.
While extremely convenient for audiences, this free access has disrupted traditional business models and revenue streams. Advertising or subscription fees, once the bread and butter for studios and networks, have declined sharply. Consequently, the entertainment industry has had to adapt and find new ways to monetize their content. Product placement and sponsorships have become increasingly important sources of income. We see this prominently with “Baddies East,” where brands like Coca-Cola pay big money to get their products strategically placed and promoted during the show.
Another strategy has been to use free streaming as a gateway to upsell viewers to paid services. Media companies entice viewers by offering the newest episodes for free on their own streaming platforms, hoping to convert them into paid subscribers who access additional content. This blended model has shown success, with services like HBO Max attracting viewers first through viral shows like baddies east free before convincing them to upgrade to paid plans.
Free access has also impacted how shows are structured, paced, and promoted. Since episodes are often watched back-to-back instead of week-to-week, creators have adjusted storytelling. Cliffhangers and suspense between episodes matter less now. Instead, each episode must be engaging enough to retain the always-distracted online viewer. Short form content and webisodes that promote the main show have also grown popular as quick grabs for attention. For a drama like “Baddies East,” these bite-sized promotional videos help lure in fans to then binge full episodes.
Some have criticized the turn towards free streaming as damaging to creativity and business. Revenue declines mean less money is available to invest in taking creative risks or producing high-quality programming. Piracy and illegal streaming remain persistent threats as well, as viewers continue expecting free access. Yet the benefits for audiences of choice, flexibility, and cost are undeniable. As technology evolves, the entertainment industry must continue adapting their business models.
In conclusion, the massive rise of free online streaming has disrupted traditional entertainment industry models but provided great convenience and access for audiences. Shows like “Baddies East” exemplify this shifting landscape, where viral free viewing engages fans before upselling them to paid content. While challenges remain, free streaming has become entrenched in our on-demand culture. Media companies must continue innovating new models, while creators learn to use these platforms to their advantage. The rules of the game have changed, but savvy players can still find ways to thrive.
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