This document provides an overview and history of three major online video streaming services: Blockbuster, Netflix, and Hulu.
Blockbuster began in 1985 as a physical video rental store and expanded into DVD-by-mail and online streaming but ultimately declared bankruptcy in 2010. Netflix launched in 1997 as an online DVD rental service and pioneered the DVD-by-mail model before expanding into online video streaming and original content. Hulu launched in 2007 as an ad-supported streaming service for TV shows owned by various media companies and now produces original programming.
All three services started with different business models and content focuses but expanded into online streaming video as that became the dominant format. Netflix grew to over 40 million subscribers globally as