How Much Are the Streaming Giants Spending on Content?

When Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) got its streaming start in 2007, it was the only service of its kind. Locking down deals to stream movies and TV shows back then was not quite as difficult as it is in today's highly competitive field. But Netflix foresaw that it wouldn't be the only game in town forever, and it prepared for a cost-efficient and promising future by investing heavily in original content. Last year, Netflix spent more than $12 billion on content, around 85% of which was earmarked for original films and series.

Netflix needs to spend big. It's facing down a lot of new competition, and many of the incoming competitors are major content producers -- effectively taking certain shows, movies, and franchises out of Netflix's consideration. But the newcomers have to spend, too, because toppling Netflix won't be cheap. The result is a pricey battle for the best content. Let's take a look at what the major companies are shelling out.

Image source: Getty Images.

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Source Fool.com