Study: HBO Max Tops List of Most Popular Global Streaming Bundles

New research from Ampere Analysis has revealed that HBO Max has the broadest distribution footprint among streaming services globally. With 60 distribution partnerships in 20 major markets, HBO Max leads the way in bundling, thanks to its strong relationships with operators. This reflects the increasing importance of partnerships in reaching new audiences and expanding reach, especially in saturated markets.

According to Jaanika Juntson, a research manager at Ampere Analysis, these partnerships are crucial for streaming platforms to reduce acquisition costs and improve retention. HBO Max’s 60 unique bundle partners include pay TV providers, telcos, and other streamers, giving them a competitive edge in the streaming landscape. In comparison, Disney+ has 52 partners, Netflix has 47, Apple TV has 27, and Amazon Prime Video has 26.

HBO Max’s partnerships span 303 packages, demonstrating the scale of their distribution strategy. The distribution landscape varies by region, with Disney+ leading in North America and Netflix in Western Europe. However, HBO Max’s partnerships are concentrated in Central and South America, as well as Central and Eastern Europe. Brazil, the US, and Poland host the largest number of HBO Max bundles, with 30 bundle partners across these markets.

Notably, 44% of HBO Max partnerships are ‘hard’ bundles, where the streaming service is included as a fixed component and cannot be separated. For example, HBO Max will soon be bundled with Sky Ultimate TV in the UK. These partnerships play a crucial role in reaching new audiences and expanding HBO Max’s global reach across different markets.

For more information on HBO Max’s bundling partnerships and their distribution strategy, you can visit the Ampere Analysis website.