Curiosity Stream, a science-centric streaming service, has taken an unconventional route to generate revenue. Instead of relying on subscription fees and ads, the company has shifted its focus to licensing its content to artificial intelligence (AI) companies. This move has proven lucrative, with the firm generating $23.4 million in revenue from AI licensing deals as of September 2025.
The streaming service, founded by John Hendricks, was initially launched in 2015 with a focus on science, history, and education. While it has struggled to attract a large subscriber base, with only 23 million users compared to Netflix's 301.6 million, its revenue has grown significantly over the years.
Curiosity Stream's decision to license its content to AI companies is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies are looking for new sources of revenue to fund their operations and invest in emerging technologies.
The firm's CEO, Clint Stinchcomb, believes that licensing content to AI companies is a key driver of growth and will become increasingly important in the coming years. "In 2027, possibly earlier, as more open source models become accessible, there will potentially be hundreds and even thousands of companies who will need video to fine-tune specific models for consumer and enterprise purposes," he said.
While this move has helped Curiosity Stream boost its revenue, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this business model. The company is already generating more revenue from AI licensing than subscription fees, and there are concerns that hyperscalers may not be willing to pay content companies for an extended period.
As the streaming industry continues to evolve, Curiosity Stream's decision to shift its focus to AI licensing will likely have a significant impact on the future of the business. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, but it remains to be seen whether other streaming services can follow suit and adapt to the changing landscape.
In the meantime, Curiosity Stream is committed to building long-term relationships with its content partners and exploring new revenue streams beyond traditional licensing agreements. As Stinchcomb noted, "We're building long-term relationships, and we're committed to making sure that as we enter into all of these agreements, it's not one and done."
The future of streaming services will likely be shaped by the success of companies like Curiosity Stream, which are embracing new technologies and business models to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
The streaming service, founded by John Hendricks, was initially launched in 2015 with a focus on science, history, and education. While it has struggled to attract a large subscriber base, with only 23 million users compared to Netflix's 301.6 million, its revenue has grown significantly over the years.
Curiosity Stream's decision to license its content to AI companies is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies are looking for new sources of revenue to fund their operations and invest in emerging technologies.
The firm's CEO, Clint Stinchcomb, believes that licensing content to AI companies is a key driver of growth and will become increasingly important in the coming years. "In 2027, possibly earlier, as more open source models become accessible, there will potentially be hundreds and even thousands of companies who will need video to fine-tune specific models for consumer and enterprise purposes," he said.
While this move has helped Curiosity Stream boost its revenue, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this business model. The company is already generating more revenue from AI licensing than subscription fees, and there are concerns that hyperscalers may not be willing to pay content companies for an extended period.
As the streaming industry continues to evolve, Curiosity Stream's decision to shift its focus to AI licensing will likely have a significant impact on the future of the business. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, but it remains to be seen whether other streaming services can follow suit and adapt to the changing landscape.
In the meantime, Curiosity Stream is committed to building long-term relationships with its content partners and exploring new revenue streams beyond traditional licensing agreements. As Stinchcomb noted, "We're building long-term relationships, and we're committed to making sure that as we enter into all of these agreements, it's not one and done."
The future of streaming services will likely be shaped by the success of companies like Curiosity Stream, which are embracing new technologies and business models to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
, but at the same time, I'm a bit worried about how this will affect their sustainability in the long run. I mean, we've all seen those AI-powered streaming services pop up and then disappear without a trace 
. But seriously, if Curiosity Stream can make it work, it could be a game-changer for them.
. They're thinking outside the box and exploring new revenue streams. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got content – who needs users when you can license to AI?" 
But in all seriousness, this move shows that they're committed to innovation and adaptability.
. Still, I'm rooting for them – let's hope this move pays off and they continue to thrive in this ever-changing streaming landscape 
so Curiosity Stream is making bank from licensing their content 2 AI companies 
it's crazy to think that they're raking in $23.4 million from AI deals by Sept 2025 
but I'm low-key impressed with how Clint Stinchcomb is thinking ahead 
we'll see how other streaming services adapt to this new landscape 
...like our jobs, I guess. Anyway, Curiosity Stream's decision to license its content to AI companies is a pretty big deal. They're making bank, but at what cost? Like, what happens when the AI companies don't need their shows anymore? And what about all the human creators who made those shows in the first place? Do we just forget about them now? 
. I mean, think about it, if you can make $$23.4 million from just licensing out your content to AI companies, that's a whole lotta cash 
.
. Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how the rest of the streaming services play out.
. Curiosity Stream's decision to license their content to AI companies 
, 'cause now they're makin' more $$ than just subscription fees 
. But at the same time, I'm kinda worried about how this'll affect other streamers 
Time'll tell! 