Streaming Culture and Platform Politics

 

Streaming Culture and Platform Politics: The New Cinematic Economy

Introduction

Streaming Culture Theory studies how platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ have reshaped film production, distribution, and viewing habits. It focuses on the political economy and cultural impact of the “platform era.”

Core Concepts

• Streaming platforms combine entertainment, data analytics, and global capitalism.

• Algorithms shape taste and visibility — deciding what stories reach audiences.

• The line between cinema, TV, and web content has collapsed.

Key Points

• Platform Capitalism: Content is driven by data metrics, not artistic intention.

• Globalization: Streaming creates global audiences but homogenizes cultural diversity.

• Binge-Watching: New temporal patterns transform how narratives are consumed.

Examples

• Roma (2018) — a Netflix release that blurred art-house and streaming boundaries.

• The Queen’s Gambit (2020) — a limited series with cinematic form and global reach.

• Squid Game (2021) — a Korean series that reflects streaming’s transnational impact.