The global video streaming market is on track for explosive growth, climbing from $131.44 billion in 2024 to $599.20 billion by 2033, according to new projections. That represents a robust CAGR of 18.36% between 2025-2033, driven by the surging appetite for on-demand content, deepening internet and mobile penetration, and next-generation AI-powered streaming technologies. This is according to a new report by Research and Markets.
Video streaming -- delivering real-time video content online without full-file downloads -- has moved from a convenience to an expectation. Whether live or on-demand, streaming now defines how consumers engage with entertainment, education, fitness, gaming, healthcare, and business.
Streaming giants like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video dominate, but the market is diversifying into sectors such as e-learning, telemedicine, virtual fitness, and cloud gaming, making streaming a cross-industry necessity.
The pivot from traditional TV to streaming platforms is accelerating. Audiences demand anytime, anywhere access, with AI-powered personalization becoming a key differentiator. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ continue to invest heavily in exclusive content and recommendation engines, while YouTube Premium introduced advanced AI enhancements in late 2023 to improve discovery and engagement.
By July 2025, 5.65 billion people (68.7% of the global population) were online, fueled by widespread smartphone use and the rollout of 4G and 5G networks. Emerging markets and remote regions are rapidly unlocking new audiences, expanding the global footprint for streaming services.
AI, machine learning, and cloud technologies are redefining video delivery. From adaptive bitrate streaming that ensures seamless viewing to AI-driven personalization that boosts retention, innovation underpins the sector's growth. In June 2025, MidJourney launched its AI-powered video generation model, V1, enabling image-to-video creation, signaling the next frontier of content production.
Content Licensing & Regional Restrictions: Geographic limitations and costly licensing deals continue to frustrate consumers and challenge providers, especially smaller entrants.
Market Saturation & Competition: With low entry barriers, the streaming space is crowded. Heavy content investments, subscriber churn, and compressed profit margins are ongoing concerns.
Streaming has become deeply embedded in everyday life -- from binge-worthy series to telehealth consultations. The next wave of growth will hinge on AI-driven personalization, global infrastructure expansion, and exclusive content strategies. With nearly $600 billion in play by 2033, the race is on to capture audiences that increasingly expect immediacy, quality, and personalization from every screen.