The entertainment and streaming industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years. As platforms like Netflix and Hulu continue to gain subscribers globally, virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for both consumers and companies in this space. T
his technology solves some key challenges that arise when delivering media content across borders and to a multitude of devices. However, VPN usage also creates new hurdles related to licensing and security. Let’s discuss the importance of VPNs in the entertainment industry today and how they may continue shaping it in the future.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
One of the main motivations for consumers to use a VPN is to access geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. These services often limit certain shows and movies to specific geographic regions due to licensing restrictions. With a VPN, users can change their virtual location and bypass these restrictions. This allows people to view more content when travelling abroad or living in a country with more limited libraries.
According to statistics, entertainment is the primary driver of VPN usage – with up to 80% of users citing this as their reason for getting a VPN. The ability to seamlessly access more content is making VPNs a requirement for many media streamers globally.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
VPNs encrypt internet traffic and mask user IP addresses. This prevents snooping by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hides user identities/locations. As the streaming industry deals with sensitive customer data and intellectual property, VPNs provide an extra layer of security against potential cyber threats. Leading VPNs use bank-grade 256-bit encryption to protect user data.
Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Some ISPs intentionally throttle bandwidth speeds when they detect streaming activity. This can lead to buffering issues and laggy performance. By routing connections through a VPN server, users can avoid throttling and maintain faster speeds for HD and 4K streaming.
Access Streaming Services Securely on Public Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure and open users up to various cybercrimes like man-in-the-middle attacks. VPN encryption allows subscribers to safely access streaming apps on the go without worrying about data interception on hotel, cafe or airport Wi-Fi. So, it is important for users to install an VPN application along with a streaming application on their phone.
Circumvent Censorship
In some restrictive regions, governments block access to popular streaming platforms due to cultural or political reasons. VPNs allow users in these areas to bypass censorship via encrypted tunnels and enjoy entertainment content freely. This expands the reach of streaming brands significantly.
Challenges for the Industry
While VPNs provide many benefits, their growing use to access restricted content also creates some challenges:
- Copyright violations: VPNs may allow consumers to breach licensing agreements and undermine geo-blocking, causing revenue losses.
- Platform crackdowns: Streaming services are implementing advanced VPN-detection tools to identify and block subscribers circumventing restrictions. This cat-and-mouse game requires continual innovation.
- Inconsistent content: Libraries keep changing as media companies pull shows/movies due to licensing terms, which can frustrate viewers using VPNs to access expanded content.
The Future
Experts predict that VPN usage will continue rising across the streaming landscape. To address copyright concerns, more services may shift towards global licensing models, rather than geo-restricting content. However, exclusive streaming rights will still be a reality, especially for live sports.
More streaming brands are also expected to double down on advanced VPN-detection based on machine learning and user behavior patterns. Ultimately, the ease of accessing entertainment anywhere on any device is making VPNs indispensable for millions of consumers across the globe.