Apr 30, 2025
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Article
The streaming world continues to evolve. This month, several important streaming services updates have reshaped platforms across North America, Europe, Asia, LATAM, and globally. Companies are introducing rebrands, new revenue models, and expanding to new territories to stay competitive.
Stay tuned for all the essential streaming services updates you need to know. Plus, explore detailed platform profiles through BB Media’s Streaming Services Directory by clicking platform names!
North America Sees Streaming Platform Transformations
DirecTV Drops "Stream" Name and Rebrands
DirecTV in the United States has removed the "Stream" branding, consolidating all services under DirecTV.com. The update includes genre bundles, free ad-supported channels, and streaming-only packages. The new DirecTV app becomes the single hub for users, signaling a decisive shift from satellite to app-based TV.
Max Launches Extra Member Add-On
Max introduced the Extra Member Add-On in the United States. For USD 7.99/month, users can share accounts with people outside their household. Each extra user receives a personal login. Max also added a Profile Transfer option, allowing seamless migration of viewing history and preferences.
Impact TV+ Launches to Serve Black Families
Impact Network launched Impact TV+, a free streaming platform offering culturally rich, values-based content aimed at Black families in the U.S. The service expands the network’s digital presence, providing on-demand access to uplifting and inspiring programming.
Netflix Enhances Subtitle Options
Netflix now offers a new subtitle setting in the U.S. that displays only spoken dialogue in the original language—excluding audio cues. Debuting with You Season 5, it will roll out to all new originals. Users can now choose between standard subtitles and SDH/CC captions, with font and size customization.
Asia Expands Streaming Services
Max Replaces BluTV in Turkey
In Turkey, Max has officially launched, replacing BluTV. With subscription and ad-supported plans, prices start at USD 6 per month. Premium plans include 4K streaming and offline access. Additionally, Eurosport content is part of the offering, appealing to sports fans.
Prime Video Adds Ads in Japan
Prime Video introduced limited ads in Japan. Ads are 15–30 seconds long and non-skippable. However, users can pay an additional USD 3 for an ad-free experience. The base Prime subscription cost remains unchanged, offering flexibility for viewers.
LATAM's Streaming Market Expands
Mercado Play Debuts on Smart TVs
Mercado Libre's Mercado Play launched its Smart TV app across LATAM. Available on Samsung, LG, Android TV, and Google TV, it brings free, ad-supported content to living rooms. Already popular on mobile and web, Mercado Play now offers a broader, more immersive experience.
Neo Telecom to Launch a New Platform in Paraguay
Paraguayan ISP Neo Telecom is developing its own streaming platform, featuring live TV, on-demand content, and AI-driven recommendations. It will be free for select broadband users and is expected to launch soon.
Canal 13 in Chile Rebrands for the Digital Era
Chile’s Canal 13 unveiled a new logo and slogan, positioning itself as a modern, multiplatform content producer. The rebrand preserves its legacy while expanding its digital and streaming footprint.
Disney+ Offers Direct Ad-Supported Plans
Disney+ now allows direct sign-ups for its ad-supported Standard plan in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico—beyond previous partnerships like Mercado Libre. Users can choose between Premium, Standard, and Standard with Ads tiers.
Europe's Streaming Scene Evolves
Max Introduces Ad-Supported Plan in Spain, Portugal, and Andorra
Max added an ad-supported plan priced at EUR 6.99 in Spain and Andorra, and EUR 5.99 in Portugal. Standard and Premium plans remain available. The service also expanded through Amazon Prime Video Channels. In Spain, ads are managed by Warner Bros. Discovery and Pulsa Media.
MagentaTV Offers Free Content in Germany
Germany's MagentaTV will now provide selected content for free. Starting April 24th, users can enjoy shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and live events without subscriptions or registration. A free trial offering full access will follow soon.
BBC First Becomes BBC NL in the Netherlands
BBC First has rebranded to BBC NL. Based in Amsterdam, it now offers premium drama with full Dutch subtitles. The lineup features series like Miss Scarlet (Season 5) and All Creatures Great and Small (Season 5), strengthening BBC’s local presence.
Sportworld Launches Pay-Per-View in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Sportworld introduced a pay-per-view service for major sports events. It debuted with the Copa del Rey final, priced at EUR 2.99. Initially available on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, the service will expand soon.
Global Streaming Services Updates
Unleashed by DOGTV Launches for Pet Lovers
OGTV Networks launched Unleashed by DOGTV globally. Available for free on Fire TV (US), TugoTV (US/Canada), and YouTube, it features over 250 hours of English-language content designed for pet owners.
Super Toons Expands for Kids Worldwide
Super Toons, launched by Kedoo Entertainment, is now available globally for USD 1.30. It offers ad-free kids' content with parental controls and screen-time limits. Moreover, its FAST channels have expanded to TCL Channel and Xiaomi TV+ across Europe.
Max Rebrands with New Visual Identity
Globally, Max updated its brand image, adopting a black-and-white logo that mirrors HBO’s iconic style. The redesign strengthens Max’s connection with HBO's premium reputation, signaling a new phase for the platform.
Stay updated with Platform Essentials Report to make informed decisions in the ever-changing streaming ecosystem.
About the services
Platform Essentials tracks news, updates, launches, discontinuations, and other changes related to entertainment platforms. Data collection and analysis leverage a combination of automated scraping techniques and manual validation by our analyst team. Information is updated on a weekly basis, which is why the dataset cited corresponds to the first quarter of 2025.
