Future-proofing your subscription strategy, ChatGPT’s rapid growth, NYT’s winning subscription strategy, & how tech can overcome barriers
Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly! 💛 We’re kicking things off with a preview of Subscription Sessions by exploring the trends, challenges, and strategies that will shape the subscription landscape next year along with what you can look forward to at the live virtual event. Next, we look at ChatGPT’s impressive growth, including how they became the fastest-growing subscription service worldwide. 🤖✨ Then, we dive into the contrasting fortunes of the New York Times and Washington Post, and how NYT’s diversified strategy is fueling subscriber growth while WaPo faces challenges. 📰📈 Finally, we share insights from top tech leaders on leveraging innovation to overcome subscription fatigue and deliver real value to consumers. 💡 Ready to explore the future of subscriptions? Let’s go!
Future-Proof Your Subscription Strategy in 2025 and Beyond
As 2024 comes to a close and planning for 2025 ramps up, one goal is clear for subscription businesses: growth. With the global subscription economy projected to reach $1.5 trillion next year, competition is set to intensify, and staying ahead means accelerating innovation. From AI-powered personalization to global expansion, the key is to remain agile and forward-thinking. At Recurly, we’re dedicated to helping brands not just navigate but thrive in this fast-paced market. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to Subscription Sessions: Get Ahead of What’s Next, our free virtual conference on November 13th. Dive into our latest article for a preview of the trends, challenges, and strategies that will shape the subscription landscape in 2025—and what you can look forward to at Subscription Sessions, and register here.
ChatGPT, the fastest-growing subscription-based service worldwide
ChatGPT has skyrocketed with 296% growth compared to 2023 to earn the title of the fastest-growing subscription service globally. Its versatility for work and entertainment highlights a trend toward multi-functional platforms that cater to a range of user needs. Meanwhile, streaming services still dominate, but multi-subscription bundles offering TV, movies, gaming, and more are gaining traction. Beyond entertainment, productivity tools like Microsoft 365 and Canva are also on the rise, as users invest in digital tools for personal and professional development. See all of the latest growth trends here.
NYT’s Ad And Subscription Revenue Surge As WaPo Flails
This quarter, the New York Times and The Washington Post painted very different pictures in the subscription world. The Washington Post lost 250,000 digital subscribers—10% of its base—while the New York Times saw a surge in subscription growth. So what’s driving NYT’s success? The key lies in its popular non-news offerings like Wordle, cooking, and lifestyle content, which have helped the Times diversify and thrive. By expanding beyond traditional news and creating multiple revenue streams, NYT has built a more resilient, profitable model. Their strategy of upselling individual properties like Games, Cooking, and The Athletic into cross-portfolio bundles is paying off, with bundle subscribers now making up 46% of their base and expected to surpass 50% next year. Even as social media and search traffic decline, NYT’s investment in a subscription-first model is proving to be a winning approach. AdExchanger explains why in this article.
A seamless subscriber experience: Barriers to success and how to overcome them
The rise of subscription models has completely reshaped how we access everything from media to fashion and even dating apps. But with this growth comes challenges—like combating subscription fatigue and standing out in a crowded market. In partnership with Change Makers, we spoke with product and growth leaders from brands like Yahoo, Farfetch, Disney+, and Bumble to learn how they’re using technology to keep subscribers engaged. From supporting multiple pricing and packaging models to offering customizable services, they’re finding innovative ways to deliver real value and create a seamless, loyalty-driven experience. Our latest blog explores how.
Subscription Lifecycle Growth in 2025 - Austin In Person Event
Hey Austin! There’s still time to RSVP for our in-person panel and drinks event on November 14, in partnership with Adyen. We’ll be diving into Subscription Lifecycle Growth in 2025 with top experts sharing strategies to scale your subscriber base, maximize revenue, and navigate the future of subscriptions. Don’t miss out on these actionable insights—RSVP now!
Watch on Demand: How to build lasting subscriber relationships with Alaska Airlines & The Guardian
Catch Alaska Airlines' Taylor Putnam and The Guardian's Emilie Harkin on-demand as they share their winning strategies for subscriber retention and loyalty. From balancing short-term wins to building long-term engagement, this conversation is packed with insights. Watch it here!
From the Recurly blog
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