The ability to stream has changed the way society as a whole consumes media. In fact, nearly half a billion people pay for subscriptions to stream media. It has positively impacted life in many ways, most notably by providing on-demand access to media for both entertainment and educational purposes.

Music and videos, TV shows and movies, live videos, and podcasts are examples of media that can be streamed. To be able to stream these media, all you need is a smart device and a reliable internet connection, whether it's from an internet service provider (ISP) or through your mobile phone.

5 Best Platforms for Streaming Music, Podcasts, and Videos

Music, podcasts, and videos can be streamed on laptops and mobile devices, as well as any smart device that can be connected to a mobile device (e.g., smart TVs, cars, etc.). Here are the five best platforms for streaming music, podcasts, and videos.

#1: Spotify

Spotify is possibly the best-known music streaming service today. Its 400+ million subscribers get access to millions of songs, videos, and podcasts by both up-and-coming creators and established artists. Spotify is free with limited features, and Spotify Premium is $9.99 per month.

#2: Apple Music

Apple Music is comparable to Spotify, and it's available to both iOS and Android users, though it performs better on iOS. For $9.99 ($4.99 for college students) users can stream music, videos, and other audio content.

#3: Amazon Music

Amazon Music is the music streaming service from Amazon. This is another service comparable to Spotify and Apple Music. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, then you get Amazon Music for free- but Amazon Music Unlimited is $7.99 a month ($9.99 a month for non Prime members).

#4: Tidal

Tidal is another music streaming platform (that also offers video streaming and podcasts) that gives its users high fidelity sound and high quality videos. A monthly subscription costs $9.99 for the basic plan, and $19.99 for the premium plan.

#5: YouTube

YouTube is the top video streaming service, where you can also listen to music and even podcasts. It's free to use, but the majority of videos include ads. YouTube Premium is $11.99 per month ($17.99 for families and $6.99 for students) and there are no ads, you get access to YouTube Originals, and YouTube Premium Music is included.

Best Platforms for Streaming TV Shows and Movies

TV shows and movies can be streamed on a variety of devices: smart TVs, computers and laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Certain external devices can be hooked up to a TV to stream shows. These include certain game consoles, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick. Some of these devices may not offer all streaming services, so you'll need to remove these restrictions.

#1: Netflix

Netflix is the most popular streaming service for movies and TV shows, with over 200 million subscribers. It's also one of very few streaming platforms that's completely ad-free, so you're able to enjoy classic and original content free of interruptions. The basic plan starts at $9.99 a month, while the premium plan is $19.99 a month.

#2: HBO Max

HBO Max is probably the second most popular streaming service, and it's the stand-alone streaming platform from HBO. Like Netflix, it offers a variety of content- although it doesn't have any original content like Netflix. Monthly subscriptions start at $9.99.

#3: YouTube TV

YouTube TV is YouTube's live streaming service. This is the perfect option for those who are skeptical about getting rid of their cable because YouTube TV gives you access to live channels- for $64.99 a month. 

#4: The Disney Bundle

The Disney Bundle consists of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. While these three services are offered separately, the bundle is great for sports lovers, Disney and Marvel lovers, and those looking for a huge library of content plus current network series. The Disney Bundle is $13.99 per month, saving you about $8.

#5: Amazon Prime Video

Amazon also offers a streaming platform for TV and movies. Here you'll find popular movies as well as original series, and it's free for Amazon Prime members. Non-members pay $8.99 and up, depending on the package they choose.

There are a variety of streaming platforms to choose from when trying to fulfill your media needs. Whether you're a college student on a budget or if you have some extra disposable income, there are options to suit everyone's needs.