We love Netflix, but it isn’t a perfect streaming service. The truth is, it can’t be. 

With growing competition, incomplete collections, and temporary trademarks on titles, Netflix’s shortcomings across a myriad of areas will likely hinder it from becoming the “all-powerful streaming service” we thought it might be just a few years ago. These limitations and imperfections are some of the many reasons why it’s important to record Netflix TV shows and movies with Replay Video Capture, and save them for offline viewing before they inevitably disappear.

Market Share

This chart below, created by Nielsen, shows the penetration of streaming services and subscription video on demand services. Netflix leads the pack of streaming online with over 61 million subscribers and 36% of the market, but Amazon and Hulu also take close to 20%.

And, research has shown that Amazon’s popularity and market share is only growing as the company gathers more customers through their Prime service,  gain more title contracts, and generate more original series.

Narrow Collection

At first glance, its impressive library of movies and shows, both original and licensed, seems never-ending. But, it does end. With only around 13,300 titles offered worldwide, Netflix’s collection is actually pretty limited in terms of selection. And, because of the ongoing rivalry between Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, it’s impossible to provide a truly complete catalog at all times and win over the entirety of the market.

Temporary Licensing

Part of this narrow collection is due to the structure and process of licensing content. Netflix is frequently changing up their online offerings; the reliability of their shows and movies are completely dependent on licensing agreements made with networks and filmmakers.

According to Investopedia, these agreements could “allow Netflix to stream all seasons of [a] show in full through its online platform for one, three or five years. The licensing agreement can be renegotiated after the set time period ends, or Netflix could drop the show from its library if viewer interest is not high enough to warrant the cost.”

Essentially, Netflix can drop content on a whim. And what if that show or movie they deemed ‘not popular enough’ was your all-time favorite? Download Replay Video Capture to record and save all of your favorite Netflix content, before time is up!