Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly!

This week, we’re starting with a look at how subscription tech leaders are moving beyond quick fixes to build scalable systems that reduce churn and meet evolving compliance needs. Next, AdExchanger explores Samsung’s latest insights on building loyalty in streaming, spotlighting the “Super Loyals”—those essential viewers who stick around all year.

Then Ecom Insider reveals how subscription models boost consumer loyalty in e-commerce through personalization and VIP experiences. And finally, Forbes breaks down the 16 key challenges service companies face when shifting to a subscription model and how they can address them.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Technology transformation: The key to a scalable subscription service

If one thing is true in today’s subscription economy, it’s that it’s no longer just about delivering a great product or service, instead brands must create personalized, seamless experiences. But for tech leaders, the rapid pace of change has meant relying on band-aid solutions, which only go so far. So how can brands break free from temporary fixes and build a tech stack that supports real growth both now and in the future? In partnership with Change Makers, we sat down with tech leaders from Amazon, Ticketmaster, Sky, AWS, and others to explore strategies for tackling compliance, reducing churn, and staying scalable in a fast-evolving market. Here’s what we found.

Why loyalty, not churn, is the key metric for streaming platforms

With over 2,000 streaming services vying for U.S. consumers’ attention, content choices are endless—but so is competition, and churn rates are higher than ever. But here’s the thing: churn is just a symptom of a bigger issue. The real focus should be on building lasting loyalty. Samsung’s research has spotlighted a key audience—the “Super Loyals,” who stick with at least one app for 10+ months each year. These loyal viewers make up more than half of all streaming activity, making them essential for driving engagement and ad value. AdExchanger breaks down insights from Samsung’s Streaming’s Loyalty Crisis study, with strategies for capturing this valuable audience and boosting loyalty across the board. Explore them all here.

Exploring how subscription services drive retention and steady revenue for online brands

In this short video, Ecom Insider dives into the benefits of subscription models and their role in building consumer loyalty within e-commerce. The interview covers everything from what subscription-based models are to why personalization is essential for creating long-term loyalty. It explores how a subscription approach not only boosts recurring revenue but also makes it easier to surprise and delight customers, treating them like VIPs. Plus, it highlights how subscriptions create more predictable revenue streams, helping e-commerce businesses grow and retain their customer base. See the full clip here.

Switching to subscriptions: 16 challenges for tech service companies

Switching from one-time product sales to a subscription model offers tech service companies consistent revenue and stronger customer relationships, but it’s not without challenges. Transitioning requires rethinking value delivery, cost management, and customer experience to align with the unique demands of subscriptions. Featuring insights from large subscription brands, Forbes breaks down 16 key challenges in making this shift and strategies to address them for a smoother, more successful transition. See them all here.

Register now for Subscription Sessions and get ahead of what’s next! 

Have you secured your spot for Subscription Sessions yet? This virtual summit on November 13th brings together leaders from AllTrails, Paramount+, CNBC, Worldpay, and more to share insights on subscription trends, pricing strategies, and launching in new markets. Plus, attendees get early access to The 2025 State of Subscriptions report. Don’t miss out—register now!

Austin in-person event: Subscription Lifecycle Growth in 2025

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!

From the Recurly blog