Netflix is projected to solidify its status as the leading subscription streaming service globally over the next five years, despite increasing consolidation among competing media companies. This insight comes from new forecasts unveiled by Omdia during the NEM Dubrovnik 2026 event.
Maria Rua Aguete, Omdia’s Head of Media & Entertainment, predicted that Netflix could reach 400 million subscribers worldwide by 2031, thereby widening its lead over other streaming platforms.
Further emphasising Netflix’s scale, Omdia anticipates the platform’s monthly viewership will surpass one billion by 2027, highlighting its broad global reach.
However, Omdia notes that the competitive landscape is shifting as streaming companies pursue consolidation to improve scale and profitability. For instance, a combined HBO Max and Paramount+ service could attract about 175 million subscribers globally by 2031, positioning it among the five largest streaming services.
“The streaming industry is entering a new phase where scale, profitability, and audience engagement are becoming increasingly crucial,” remarked Rua Aguete. She added that while consolidation will produce more formidable competitors, Netflix is uniquely poised to leverage global growth opportunities.
Omdia’s research suggests that the proposed merger would benefit from notable audience overlap and cross-promotional potential. For example, 40% of Paramount+ subscribers would also consider HBO Max, while 26% of HBO Max users are already Paramount+ subscribers.
Despite Netflix’s leadership in subscription streaming, Omdia also underscored YouTube’s rising presence in the broader video landscape. The company forecasts that YouTube will reach approximately 2.7 billion monthly active users by 2026, outpacing all streaming services globally. In contrast, Netflix’s audience is expected to exceed one billion monthly viewers by 2027.
“The industry’s primary contest is no longer just between streaming platforms,” noted Rua Aguete. “While Netflix is winning the subscription streaming race, YouTube is emerging as a major force in television, particularly as it enhances its catalogue with more premium content.”
Omdia anticipates that the forthcoming phase of industry growth will be propelled by further consolidation, the expansion of advertising, content bundling, and intensified competition for consumer attention across both subscription and ad-supported services.
These forecasts were shared at NEM Dubrovnik, an annual conference focused on the television and media industry in Central and Eastern Europe.
