Why Netflix remains the streaming giant 19 years after inventing the category

Published Sep 17, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT Steve has been editing and writing content for almost two decades, including product reviews, tech news, how-to guides, and even lifestyle and health topics. He’s served as chief editor for publications like Tech Junkie and Alphr, and has written and edited content for many other tech-related sites. His expertise in Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux simplifies the gadget and computer world for others, enabling them to shop, connect, learn, tweak, and optimize devices and software to suit their needs. When he’s not writing or editing content, he enjoys repairing and optimizing devices (and game consoles), watching movies, golfing, and spending time with the family. Many streaming platforms have evolved over the years, especially since almost every studio wants a stake in the market. It began with YouTube, which offered free streaming of public videos, followed by Amazon Prime digital rentals, and then Netflix adding streaming movies and shows to its DVD rental service in 2007. Netflix was the first one I used, and I used it before anyone else created their own streaming platform. I enjoyed watching my favorite 90s movies alongside newer ones and a handful of TV shows. Once I started, I couldn’t let go. Mentally, I knew that entertainment was only a few clicks away whenever I wanted. Netflix’s custom features and massive collection of movies and TV shows, along with its versatile subscription options, still make it a streaming giant today. It is the first streaming subscription service, built on strong partnerships with major studios and packed with a library of entertainment for everyone. The streaming provider that started it all A pioneer of creativity and strategy I remember when Netflix began streaming services in 2007 to complement its DVD rental service, and the price was very affordable at the time. When I decided to try it, I paid around $5 per month and about $3 to rent DVDs, and I gradually found myself going back to the streaming part to watch more. A subscription-based platform where you could watch movies and shows “on the fly” from an on-demand library was innovative for its time. Now, it’s part of everyday life and almost routine for many. How could you not want to see the next episode of Wednesday or Stranger Things? How could you not want to return to Little Brother (2026) when you’ve got the time to finish it? You can also watch some shows out of order without losing a beat, based on their design. Versatility was key to success Offer a good service, grow a new industry, and expand the catalog Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek Netflix streamed (and still does) movies and shows from major studios plus smaller ones, providing versatile entertainment to cover anyone’s interests. They continue to add more selections to remain the go-to platform for watching your favorite movies and shows. There are almost 7,000 titles available to watch, according toQuartz Media. It is considered the platform that many people used first, and it reached over 300 million subscribers worldwide in Q4 of 2025 —Resourcera.com. Netflix had no real competition when it launched its streaming service, but it made the package highly affordable for everyone, bringing in thousands of new subscribers ready to see what entertainment options it offered each day. As the business grew rapidly, the company focused on expanding its library and signing new deals with major studios, such as Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros. This kept existing subscribers tuned in and motivated to see what was new to watch — and it also drew in new subscribers. As more people watched Netflix, it became a common thing to do, and word of mouth helped boost the subscriber count as well. Netflix expanded to making its own content New original shows—new original movies Credit: Dan Girolamo/How-To Geek/Netflix With competitive companies arising, hoping to grab many subscribers, Netflix ventured into making exclusive movies and shows that you couldn’t get elsewhere. That helped keep their audiences subscribed and watching, even if they opted to subscribe to other streaming providers. In the late 2010s, Netflix's advantage was its financial ability to branch out into its own movies and shows, from popular series like Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards to movies like The Irishman and Klaus. Since Netflix was the first to introduce on-demand streaming subscriptions for movies and TV shows, and had success with DVD rentals since its inception in 1997, it could grow and create original content to maintain a strong subscriber count. I found that initial releases were a little grungy compared to the Hollywood standard, but that is also what sets them apart. Their content isn’t just original; it’s unique. Netflix still stands strong today — a household name and conversation piece amongst many Today, the Netflix Originals engine keeps rolling with new powerhouse films like Red Point and The Whisper Man. Of course, my family enjoyed the holiday originals, too, replaying The Christmas Chronicles many times during the holiday. Original shows also have their place in the household, like Stranger Things, which kept the curiosity going as you wondered what the next episode would entail. The Witness (100% Rotten Tomatoes rating) keeps you on your toes as you anticipate how and when they will solve the case. Netflix’s decision to make its own shows and movies was a solid move, especially when many other platforms focused on what others created. Now, streaming providers like MAX and Peacock carry their own productions, but Netflix will always stand out as the innovator and maintainer of quality originals and quality entertainment, no matter your mood or what you feel like watching.