The rapid move away from traditional linear TV and toward streaming services has seen many households starting to rack up outrageously high bills. On average, Americans spend almost $50 per month on streaming services.
Of course, the convenience and scope of streaming options are undeniable, but those monthly fees can be a real financial burden.
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your streaming service costs and thus help in keeping your entertainment budget manageable.
1. Reexamine Your Streaming Habits
The first step in reducing this bill for streaming would be to take an honest look at your family’s viewing habits. Check which services you use the most and take note of the ones you rarely or never use. This will tell you where your potential cost savings can be by removing unwanted subscriptions.
2. Bundle Your Streaming Services
Many streaming services offer bundle packages that can help you save hundreds in comparison to buying individual subscriptions. As soon as you can, look for bundle options that include only the services you're using the most; this could be a revenue-saver while still allowing you live access to your content.
3. Take Advantage of Free Trials
Nearly all streaming services offer free trial periods, which can be a few days or even a few weeks. Use these trials to test out new services before you start paying for them, and make sure to cancel the trial before the end of the promotion period, lest you be charged.
4. Negotiate with Your Streaming Providers
Don't be afraid to negotiate with your streaming providers. Many companies provide a discount or promotional rate just to keep you as a customer, especially if you have been with them for a long period. Call their customer service departments and ask if any discounts or other special offers are available.
5. Share Subscriptions with Family or Friends
Share the cost with family or friends. Many services allow multiple user profiles under one subscription and/or allow simultaneous streams, so you would be able to split the cost among your group of interested parties.
6. Ad-Supported Tiers
Some streams are ad-supported and more affordable than their ad-free cousins. Although the inclusion of ads is less desirable, it can present some real savings if you have to count your pennies.
7. Take Advantage of Free Streaming Options
Other than the subscription-based services, there are many free streaming services that come with a variety of content. Explore Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel. These offer movies, TV series, and live news—all for free, no subscription required.
8. Prioritize Live TV Needs
If your main streaming needs are for live TV channels, opt for something like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV—it'll give you wide-reaching channel lineups at a lower price than most traditional cable and satellite packages.
9. Downgrade or Pause Subscriptions
If you find that you're using one of the streaming services far less than you used to, consider downgrading that subscription to a lower-tiered plan or just pausing the service for a time. This could help pave the way for savings without completely losing access to the kind of content you used to enjoy.
10. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Subscriptions
Streaming services aren't static: new offerings pop up, and prices change. Get into the practice of frequently reassessing your subscriptions to be sure you're still getting the best value for your money. This might mean adding or removing services, jumping at promotional offers that slash pricing, or negotiating better rates.
Conclusion
In our time, digital media consumption is a significant part of our daily lives. To illustrate, Americans spend about three hours a day streaming digital media. 99% of US households subscribe to at least one streaming service. This takes a big chunk out of many people’s income.
By employing our ten strategies, you can still enjoy your favorite content while saving on monthly fees. By looking at your family’s viewing behavior, availing yourself of bundle packages and free offers, negotiating prices with providers, and looking into free streaming services, you can maximize your entertainment budget. As with most things, by staying vigilant and keeping watch over your subscription-based services, you can retain control over streaming expenses.
