HBO exceeds subscriber goals in last part of 2021

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

WarnerMedia’s HBO Max streaming service managed to add 1.6 million subscribers in the last quarter of 2021.

That brings its total to about 46.8 million users, making it one of the more popular streamers out there, but still falling short of Netflix’s 200 million-plus mark, Disney+ and its 100 million subscribers and Sony’s anime focused service Crunchyroll at 120 million.

Combined, HBO and HBO Max as a combined total of 73.8 million, “ahead” of its target of 70 million to 73 million.

HBO Max grew significantly in 2021, which was at least partially propelled by same day releases of theatrical films as well as standout originals.

However, there service isn’t expected to have those big film releases in 2022, which were partially done to due to the pandemic lessening interest in going to movie theaters.

HBO Max also tinkered with its pricing model in 2021, adding a $9.99 tier with ads. It’s also been expanding rapidly around the globe, a strategy that many other newer streamers are using as well.

AT&T, WarnerMedia’s parent company, is preparing to spin off the division and sell a large stake to Discovery, which already owns its own streaming service, Discovery+.

While AT&T will still own 71% of WarnerMedia, plans call for Discovery to manage operations of the division.