Welcome back to Subscriptions Weekly! First up, we’ve got an insider’s take on why Disney is dominating the streaming wars and what challenges they still face. Then, Chuck E. Cheese is joining the subscription craze, with 350,000 passes already sold in their latest loyalty push.

Meanwhile, Warner Music Group is defying industry trends with a 13.7% jump in streaming revenue—looks like the music isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And finally, we’re diving into the importance of customer loyalty and why companies should start making it a two-way street.

Let’s get into it!

Retaining customers in a competitive subscription payments market

If you think subscription payments have changed a lot over the past several years, just wait—AI is taking things to a whole new level! From keeping customers happy to improving retention, there's a lot to unpack. Recurly CMO Lina Tonk sat down with a Payment Expert to dive into the latest trends and what they mean for the future of subscriptions. Read the article at Payment Expert.

The loyalty paradox: Why brands should reciprocate customer devotion

Brand loyalty is often praised as the key to customer retention, but are companies really holding up their end of the deal? Many are missing out by neglecting their most loyal customers, who could boost profits by 25% to 95% with just a 5% increase in retention. Instead of waiting until customers are about to walk out the door, businesses should be more proactive. With AI-powered tools and personalization options, businesses have more opportunities than ever to build stronger, lasting connections. Read the article on Forbes.

Why Disney+ has succeeded while other Netflix rivals struggle

In this interview Matthew Ball, the guy who back in 2016 predicted Disney’s streaming success well before they even launched, reflects on that bold prediction, breaks down why Disney has crushed it in the streaming game, and dives into the challenges that still lie ahead. Plus, he shares insider insights on Disney’s customer targeting and acquisition strategies. Spoiler alert: Matthew’s predicts Disney will be one of the victors in the streaming wars! Read the article on Vulture. 

Warner Music Group just bucked the trend of streaming revenue growth slowdowns. How?

After Universal Music Group and Sony reported streaming revenue slowdowns last quarter, industry folks were starting to sweat. But Warner Music Group just dropped their latest numbers, and guess what? Their recorded music subscription streaming revenues are up 13.7% YoY! 🎶 CEO Robert Kyncl is keeping things upbeat, noting there's still plenty of room for subscriber growth in both established and emerging markets. Check out how Warner bucked the trend and kept the music playing strong.  Read the article on Music Business Worldwide

Chuck E. Cheese targets inflation-weary families with a bargain subscription program

Subscription fever is spreading in the restaurant industry, and now Chuck E. Cheese is jumping on the bandwagon! Joining the likes of Sweetgreen, Taco Bell, and P.F. Chang's, Chuck E. Cheese has rolled out a new subscription program that’s all about locking in customer loyalty and boosting food and drink sales. After testing it out at 450 locations, they saw strong demand, selling 350,000 passes already. Here’s how they’re approaching it. Read the article on ABC Chicago.

Check out Recurly's new content:

Dunning done right: 12% subscription revenue lift with Recurly

Struggling with payment failures? You're not alone. In the world of subscriptions, every missed payment means lost revenue and potentially lost customers. But here's the game-changer: Recurly's smart dunning isn't just about recovering payments—it's about boosting your bottom line and keeping your subscribers happy. Stop leaving money on the table. Optimize your dunning strategy today with Recurly and watch your subscription revenue soar. Download the case study now.

How to transform billing and payments into a growth engine 

In the rapidly evolving world of subscription management and recurring billing, understanding the pivotal role of payment experience is crucial for your business. This on-demand event addresses the key challenges that hold back your subscription potential, equipping you with the knowledge to unlock new opportunities for growth. Watch on-demand.

Unlock the potential of every successful subscription payment

Explore how payment optimization is pivotal for subscription success in this commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Recurly, offering insights on overcoming payment failures, reducing churn, and boosting growth. Read now.

From the Recurly blog: