The first OTT service in the USA was launched in 2007 by Netflix, which originally started as a DVD-by-mail service before transitioning to streaming. Since then, many other OTT services have been launched in the USA, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more recently, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Peacock TV. There are numerous OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms available worldwide. Here are 35+ best OTT Platforms USA –
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Netflix –
Netflix is a popular OTT platform that was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. It started out as a DVD-by-mail service and then transitioned to online streaming. Netflix offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content that can be streamed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Netflix USA is the American version of the streaming service and offers a vast library of content, including exclusive original programming such as Stranger Things, The Crown, and Narcos. It has a subscription-based model and offers three plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The Basic plan allows users to watch on one screen at a time in standard definition, while the Standard plan allows for two screens at a time in HD. The Premium plan allows for up to four screens at a time in 4K Ultra HD quality.
Amazon Prime Video –
Amazon Prime Video is an OTT platform owned by Amazon and launched in 2011. It is available in various countries worldwide, including the USA. Prime Video offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content that can be streamed on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Amazon Prime Video USA is the American version of the streaming service and offers a vast library of content, including exclusive original programmings such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Man in the High Castle, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. It is available to Amazon Prime members, who pay an annual or monthly subscription fee to access various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to Amazon Music, and Prime Video.
Disney+ –
Disney+ is a popular OTT platform that was launched in the USA in November 2019. It is owned by The Walt Disney Company and offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content that can be streamed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Disney+ offers a subscription-based model, and users can choose to pay monthly or annually. It also offers additional features such as offline downloads, 4K Ultra HD, and the ability to create up to seven different profiles per account.
Hulu –
Hulu is a popular OTT platform that was launched in the USA in 2008. It is owned by The Walt Disney Company and offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content that can be streamed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Hulu USA offers a vast library of content from various networks, including ABC, NBC, Fox, FX, and more. It has become popular for its exclusive original programming, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock, and PEN15. Hulu also offers live TV options, allowing users to watch live sports, news, and events from various networks.
Hulu offers a subscription-based model, with various plans available depending on the content and features users want. It also offers add-ons such as HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime, as well as features such as offline downloads and multiple profiles per account.
Apple TV+ –
Apple TV+ is an OTT platform owned by Apple Inc. that was launched in the USA in November 2019. It offers a wide range of original TV shows, movies, and documentaries that can be streamed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Apple TV+ USA offers exclusive original programming produced by Apple, including Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and See. It has gained popularity for its high-quality content and star-studded casts.
HBO Max –
HBO Max is an OTT platform owned by WarnerMedia that was launched in the USA in May 2020. It offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content that can be streamed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. HBO Max USA offers a vast library of content, including popular shows from HBO such as Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Sex and the City, as well as movies and shows from other networks and studios, including Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, and more. It has become popular for its exclusive original programming, including Friends: The Reunion, Mare of Easttown, and Hacks.
YouTube TV –
YouTube TV is an OTT platform owned by Google that was launched in the USA in 2017. It offers live TV streaming from various networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and more. YouTube TV USA offers a wide range of live TV channels.
Kanopy –
Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides access to a wide range of movies and documentaries, as well as educational videos, that are available for free to users with a library card from a participating public library or academic institution. It was launched in the USA in 2008.
Mubi –
Mubi is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a carefully curated selection of independent, classic, and international films. It was launched in the UK in 2007 and has since expanded to other countries, including the USA. Mubi USA offers a rotating selection of 30 films, with one film added each day and one removed each day, ensuring a constantly changing lineup. The service also features a film library that includes hundreds of films from around the world, with a focus on independent and classic cinema.
CuriosityStream –
CuriosityStream is a subscription-based streaming service that focuses on documentary programming across a wide range of topics, including science, nature, history, and technology. It was launched in the USA in 2015. CuriosityStream features original programming, as well as documentaries from partners such as the BBC and NHK. The service also offers exclusive content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes features.
The Criterion Channel –
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service that offers a wide selection of classic and contemporary films, with a particular focus on art houses and international cinema. It was launched in the USA in 2019 as a successor to the now-defunct FilmStruck streaming service. The Criterion Channel USA offers a diverse selection of films, with new titles added each month. The service also features curated collections, filmmaker spotlights, and video essays that provide context and analysis of the films available on the platform
Sundance Now –
Sundance Now is a streaming service that offers a curated selection of independent films, documentaries, and TV series, with a focus on international and art house programming. It was launched in the USA in 2014 by AMC Networks, which also owns the Sundance TV cable network. Sundance Now USA offers a diverse selection of programming, with new titles added each month. The service features both original content and programming from partners such as the BBC and Channel 4.
Shudder –
Shudder is a streaming service that offers a curated selection of horror, thriller, and suspense programming. It was launched in the USA in 2015 and is owned by AMC Networks, which also owns the AMC cable network. Shudder USA offers a diverse selection of horror and thriller programming, with new titles added each month. The service features both original content and programming from partners such as the BBC and Universal Studios.
Epix Now –
Epix Now is a streaming service that offers a selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming. It was launched in the USA in 2019 as a standalone streaming service separate from the Epix cable network. Epix Now USA offers a diverse selection of programming, including popular movies, classic films, and original series. The service also features documentaries, concerts, and comedy specials
BET+ –
BET+ is a streaming service that offers a selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming from the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network. It was launched in the USA in 2019 as a standalone streaming service separate from the BET cable network. BET+ has exclusive access to some BET original series, such as “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “The Oval.” BET+ has become a popular option for viewers who appreciate a wide variety of programming that celebrates Black culture and history.
Philo –
Philo is a streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand content from popular TV networks. It was launched in the USA in 2017 as a low-cost alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV services. Philo USA offers a variety of live TV channels from networks such as AMC, Discovery, HGTV, and MTV, among others. The service also provides access to a large library of on-demand content, including TV shows and movies. Philo offers unlimited DVR storage, which allows users to record their favorite shows and watch them later.
History Vault –
History Vault is a streaming service that provides access to a wide variety of historical documentaries and programming. It was launched in the USA in 2015 as a standalone service separate from the History Channel cable network. History Vault USA offers a diverse selection of programming that covers a broad range of historical events and topics. The service features documentaries, series, and specials from various networks and production companies, including A&E, History Channel, and BBC. It also includes original programming produced exclusively for the service.
Hallmark Movies Now –
Hallmark Movies Now is a streaming service that offers a selection of family-friendly movies and TV shows, with a focus on the Hallmark brand. It was launched in the USA in 2017 as a standalone service separate from the Hallmark Channel cable network. Hallmark Movies Now USA features a variety of programming, including classic Hallmark movies and TV shows, as well as original content produced exclusively for the service
DC Universe / DC Universe Infinite –
DC Universe was a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. that focused on content related to DC Comics. It was launched in the USA in 2018 as a standalone service. DC Universe USA offered a variety of programming, including original TV shows, movies, and comics featuring DC characters such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The service also included a range of classic and modern DC content, including animated series, live-action shows, and films. DC Universe Infinite is a digital comic book subscription service owned by DC Comics. It was launched in January 2021, replacing the previous DC Universe streaming service that focused on TV shows and movies.
VRV –
VRV USA is a streaming platform that offers a collection of channels and content from various creators, studios, and distributors. It is a subsidiary of Otter Media, which is a joint venture between AT&T and the Chernin Group. The platform offers a mix of anime, gaming, and geek culture content, including shows and movies from channels such as Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, and Cartoon Hangover. VRV also offers ad-free viewing, offline viewing, and access to exclusive content for subscribers.
Tidal –
Tidal is a music and video streaming service that provides high-quality audio and video content to its subscribers. The service was launched in the United States in 2014 and is available in over 50 countries worldwide. Tidal is known for its high-fidelity audio streaming, which uses a lossless audio codec to deliver CD-quality sound to its users.
Gaia –
Gaia is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of content related to health, wellness, spirituality, and personal growth. The service is available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and it provides access to thousands of videos, films, documentaries, and original series. Gaia’s content covers a diverse range of topics, including yoga, meditation, nutrition, alternative healing, and consciousness exploration. The platform features renowned experts in their respective fields, and users can browse and filter content by topic, teacher, or duration.
BritBox –
BritBox is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a collection of British television shows and movies, and it is available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The service is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and it features a variety of content from these broadcasters, as well as from other British broadcasters like Channel 4 and Channel 5.
CHILI Cinema –
CHILI Cinema is an online movie rental and purchase service available in the UK and several other European countries. It offers a wide selection of movies, including new releases, independent films, classic movies, and TV shows, available to rent or buy in both standard and high-definition formats. CHILI Cinema also offers a “Watch Again” feature, which allows users to watch movies they have previously rented for a discounted price.
Hotstar –
Hotstar USA is a streaming service that provides access to Indian TV shows, movies, and sports. It is owned by the Walt Disney Company through its subsidiary, Star India, and is currently available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The service features content in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and more. In addition to Indian content, Hotstar USA also offers access to some American TV shows and movies. The service has both free and paid subscription options.
Free OTT Service in the USA –
There are several free OTT services available in the USA. Some of the most popular ones include:
Pluto TV –
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers live TV channels, on-demand movies and TV shows, and original content. It is available in the United States and has a library of over 250 channels across various genres, including news, sports, entertainment, and more. Pluto TV also offers a range of on-demand content from networks like NBC, MTV, Comedy Central, and more, as well as original series like “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” and “Two Weeks to Live”. The service is supported by ads, and users can access it via the Pluto TV app, available on various devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile devices.
Tubi –
Tubi is a free ad-supported streaming service available in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It offers a wide range of movies and TV shows from various genres, including action, comedy, drama, horror, and more. Tubi is available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and mobile devices. The service is supported by ads, which play intermittently during streaming. While Tubi does not offer the same level of original programming or current content as some of the paid streaming services, it has become a popular option for those looking to watch movies and TV shows for free.
Crackle –
Crackle is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. It offers a selection of movies and TV shows from various genres, including action, comedy, drama, horror, and sci-fi. Some of the popular titles available on Crackle include “The Karate Kid,” “Seinfeld,” “The Commuter,” and “Snatch.” Crackle is available to stream on various devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
IMDb TV –
IMDb TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Amazon. It offers a variety of movies and TV shows from different genres, including comedy, drama, documentaries, and more. IMDb TV does not require a subscription and is available to all viewers in the United States. Users can access IMDb TV through the IMDb website, Amazon Prime Video app, Fire TV devices, and other compatible devices. The service is supported by ads that play periodically during playback.
Peacock Free –
Peacock Free is a free, ad-supported streaming service offered by NBCUniversal in the United States. It includes a variety of TV shows, movies, news, and sports programming, including content from NBC, Bravo, USA Network, and other networks. While Peacock Free is free to use, users can also upgrade to a premium version of the service, called Peacock Premium, which offers additional content and features.
The Roku Channel –
The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported streaming service available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It offers a mix of content from a variety of providers, including movies, TV shows, news, and live sports, as well as original programming produced by Roku. The service is available on Roku devices as well as on the web and via the Roku mobile app. While the service is free, some content is only available to viewers with a subscription to a participating cable or streaming provider.
Xumo –
Xumo is a free streaming service that offers a variety of live and on-demand content in the United States. The platform provides access to over 190 channels across different genres, including news, sports, movies, and TV shows. Xumo is available on a range of devices, such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, and mobile devices, and is supported by advertising. The service is owned by Comcast and was launched in 2011.
Kanopy –
Kanopy is a free streaming service available in the USA that offers access to a wide range of films and documentaries. It partners with public libraries and universities to provide users with access to its catalog, which includes classic and contemporary cinema, indie films, and educational content. Users need to have a library card or university login to access Kanopy’s content, and there is a limit to the number of titles they can stream each month. Kanopy is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
Hoopla –
Hoopla is a digital streaming service offered by public libraries in the United States and Canada. It allows library cardholders to borrow and stream a wide variety of digital content, including movies, TV shows, audiobooks, e-books, and music. The service is free and can be accessed through a web browser or the Hoopla app on compatible devices. The selection of content available on Hoopla varies by library, but most libraries offer a diverse collection of popular titles across various genres.
Popcornflix –
Popcornflix is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows. The service is available in the USA and Canada and offers content in various genres including action, comedy, drama, horror, romance, and sci-fi. The platform is available on a range of devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox, and smart TVs.
You can also check the best ott platforms in India here.
Note: This OTT Platforms USA list is not exhaustive, as there are many other OTT platforms available in the USA. We have not tested or reviewed it.
