The 2020 was a record year for Netflix, which cuts the milestone of 203.6 million users worldwide
Netflix marks in 2020 its record of users worldwide reaching 203.6 million subscribers. An important result that is linked, as the streaming platform itself admits, to the restrictions dictated by the Covid-19 pandemic. For this reason, the company doesn't expect to improve on its record in 2021.
Netflix's announcement of its achievements is both a way to affirm its success and to let shareholders know that it no longer needs external funding for its day-to-day operations. In fact, the record number of subscribers also means revenue of $25 billion in 2020 alone. Netflix then continued to grow despite competition with other entertainment platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Now TV. But it's precisely the competition in the industry and the return to a normal daily routine post-pandemic that portends lower revenues for next year.
Netflix, record numbers in 2020
In the fourth quarter of 2020, Netflix reported 8.5 million new users, for a total of 37 million subscriptions taken out and $25 billion in annual revenue. The report's results show how the movie and TV series streaming platform thus reached 203.6 million subscribers worldwide.
The company shows that it doesn't need outside backers and has all the numbers to build on its success, also tied to the Covid-19 pandemic. Between quarantines and lockdowns, more and more people stuck at home have chosen to subscribe to entertainment platforms and Netflix has also inevitably benefited.
Netflix does not expect to repeat the same success in 2021, both for the possible return to normal life after the pandemic, and for the competition offered by other streaming platforms, which are becoming more numerous and also expanding their catalogs. In fact, the company expects a net paid increase of $6 million in the first quarter, compared to the $15.8 million recorded in the previous period.
Netflix, the audience's most beloved shows
Television series such as Emily in Paris and Queen of Chess, which arrived on the platform between October and December 2020, have attracted users. In fact, over 62 million subscribers have watched The Chess Queen, which has quickly become the second most viewed miniseries on Netflix after Tinger King.
Another popular series is Bridgerton, born from the agreement with ShondaLand of Shonda Rimes, author already of Grey's Anatomy, which in just 4 weeks has recorded over 60 million views. And yet The Crown dedicated to the British royal family and The Midnight Sky, the film directed by and starring George Clooney released on December 25. The platform has already announced the arrival of new TV series and movies for 2021 and in the letter to shareholders writes: "Our strategy is simple: if we can continue to improve Netflix every day to delight our members, we can be their first choice for streaming entertainment."