Data reveals the streaming platforms Brits want to delete most – and it’s not good news for Netflix

A new study has revealed the streaming platforms that Brits are looking to get rid of, with Netflix taking the top spot across the nation. 

In the current landscape of streaming services, there is an increase in discontent amongst platform users. The multitude of platforms available has given rise to intense competition, with services battling to keep customers. Consequently, there has been an expansion in the types of content available, as streaming companies strategically diversify the choice of movies and shows to reach broader audiences. 

The study, conducted by leading QR code creators QR Code Generator Hub, looked at search volumes in the UK using Google Keyword Planner to discover which service users most want to delete. The data was based on the combined average monthly volume for search terms such as ‘how to unsubscribe from X’ and ‘delete account X’, used by people seeking to delete or unsubscribe from each streaming platform. 

It turns out, Netflix claims the top spot as the streaming service users are searching how to delete most. Last year, users saw a price jump for basic and premium plans, costing them up to £24 extra a year, subsequently triggering a rise in unsubscription searches. The company also introduced anti-password sharing measures, meaning accounts could no longer be used outside of one household which frustrated some users, leading to an average of 2,224 monthly searches relating to unsubscribing.

Crunchyroll secures the second position in terms of unpopularity. Despite having over 5 million paying subscribers, the platform faces discontent from users, evidenced by the 1,034 monthly searches dedicated to canceling accounts. 

In third spot, Amazon Prime Video records the third-highest number of ‘unsubscribe’-related searches, with an average of 884 monthly queries. By 2022, Amazon boasted approximately 200 million users globally, an impressive figure, although it is hard to known how many of those use the Prime Video feature. Evidently, some service users are finding issues as searches for deleting accounts surge. 

Following closely, Disney+ claims the fourth position. With an average of 864 monthly searches aimed at terminating accounts, the service has been encountering challenges in retaining subscribers, even having lost 11.6 million subscriptions worldwide by the end of 2023. Last November, three tiers of accounts were announced with millions of users automatically enrolled in the premium account, costing an extra £30 a year for some.

Finally, the nation’s fifth least favorite platform is Paramount+. With an average of 651 monthly searches aimed at terminating accounts, the service has been encountering challenges in retaining subscribers despite being relatively new in the UK.  

Top 5 streaming platforms users want to delete in the UK 

Speaking on the findings, Jonathan Palley from QR Code Generator Hub said “Our QR Codes are often used in TV content, which is why at QR Code Generator Hub we track the evolving TV and streaming landscape closely. The initial attraction of streaming platforms, promising limitless access to an array of content, has given way to a growing trend where users are actively reconsidering subscriptions.  

“Features such as the introduction of ads on paid accounts and regular price rises for premium subscriptions have led to many customers deciding to cancel their accounts. These findings offer an interesting insight into which streaming services are losing the most customers, with YouTube TV taking the top spot. 

“Users who were initially drawn to streaming during the pandemic, now find a renewed interest in the allure of movie theaters since their reopening. In response to this evolving dynamic, subscribers are reevaluating their priorities, gravitating towards only the platforms that deliver the most exciting content at a justifiable price point.”