Introduction to Curiosity Stream
We all know streaming services’ usual tricks for making more money: get more subscribers, charge those subscribers more money, and sell ads. But science streaming service Curiosity Stream is taking a new route that could reshape how streaming companies, especially niche options, try to survive.
History of Curiosity Stream
Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks launched Curiosity Stream in 2015. The streaming service costs $40 per year, and it doesn’t have commercials. The streaming business has grown to also include the Curiosity Channel TV channel. CuriosityStream Inc. also makes money through original programming and its Curiosity University educational programming. The firm turned its first positive net income in its fiscal Q1 2025, after about a decade of business.
Growth and Revenue
With its focus on science, history, research, and education, Curiosity Stream will always be a smaller player compared to other streaming services. As of March 2023, Curiosity Stream had 23 million subscribers, a paltry user base compared to Netflix’s 301.6 million (as of January 2025). Still, in an extremely competitive market, Curiosity Stream’s revenue increased 41 percent year over year in its Q3 2025 earnings announced this month. This was largely due to the licensing of Curiosity Stream’s original programming to train large language models (LLMs).
Licensing and Partnerships
“Looking at our year-to-date numbers, licensing generated $23.4 million through September, which … is already over half of what our subscription business generated for all of 2024,” Phillip Hayden, Curiosity Stream’s CFO, said during a call with investors this month. Thus far, Curiosity Stream has completed 18 AI-related fulfillments “across video, audio, and code assets” with nine partners, an October announcement said. The company expects to make more revenue from IP licensing deals with AI companies than it does from subscriptions by 2027, “possibly earlier,” CEO Clint Stinchcomb said during the earnings call.
Conclusion
Curiosity Stream is taking a unique approach to generating revenue, focusing on licensing its original programming to train large language models. This approach has led to significant revenue growth, with licensing revenue expected to surpass subscription revenue by 2027. As the streaming market continues to evolve, Curiosity Stream’s innovative strategy may serve as a model for other niche streaming services.
FAQs
- Q: What is Curiosity Stream?
A: Curiosity Stream is a science streaming service that offers original programming and educational content without commercials. - Q: How much does Curiosity Stream cost?
A: Curiosity Stream costs $40 per year. - Q: How many subscribers does Curiosity Stream have?
A: As of March 2023, Curiosity Stream had 23 million subscribers. - Q: What is driving Curiosity Stream’s revenue growth?
A: The licensing of Curiosity Stream’s original programming to train large language models is driving the company’s revenue growth. - Q: What is the expected revenue outlook for Curiosity Stream?
A: The company expects to make more revenue from IP licensing deals with AI companies than it does from subscriptions by 2027.
