Staying Safe on Social Media
A Guide for Seniors
Not too long ago, cable TV was the go-to way to watch your favorite shows and stay updated with news and entertainment. It was a major step up from traditional broadcast television, offering more channels, better picture quality, and access to live programming. But as technology has advanced, so has the way we watch TV.
Today, so many people are cutting the cable cord and switching to streaming services to custom-curate their television experience. In this guide, we’ll break down what streaming is, how it works, and how you can choose the best option for your entertainment needs.
What are streaming services?
Streaming TV lets you watch shows and movies over the internet. Most services require you to create an account and pay a monthly fee. Once subscribed, you can watch as much content as you want, anytime. Payments are usually automatic, billed to your credit or debit card, and you can cancel anytime.
The shift from cable to streaming has made entertainment more accessible, flexible, and customizable. Streaming Giants like Netflix, Hulu, or Pluto TV are just a few examples of the growing number of streaming services worldwide. We can break down the types of streaming services into three different categories: subscription services, free services, and live services.
Subscription
Subscription-based streaming services charge a monthly fee, usually from $4.99 to $20. They often have tiered plans: lower tiers include ads, while higher tiers offer ad-free viewing and more content. Examples include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Max.
Free
Free streaming services are free to use but come with ads. Some services offer free content but require a paid subscription for full access. They’re a low-risk way to explore new shows on your TV or tablet. Examples include Tubi and Pluto TV.
Live
Live streaming services are the priciest, costing $20–$70 per month, but they’re often still cheaper than cable. They offer fewer originals and on-demand content than subscription services, but include more live sports and news. Examples include Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu TV+Live TV.