Traditional streaming services rely heavily on expanding subscriber bases, increasing subscription fees, and selling advertisements to boost revenue. However, niche platform Curiosity Stream is pioneering a different approach—leveraging artificial intelligence licensing to redefine its business model.

Founded in 2015 by Discovery Channel’s John Hendricks, Curiosity Stream offers a subscription at just $40 annually, free of commercials. Over time, the platform expanded to include the Curiosity Channel TV station and invests heavily in original content and educational programming through Curiosity University.

Recently, the company announced a strategic shift—licensing AI technology to partner with other content providers. Industry experts suggest this move could set a new standard for niche streaming services seeking sustainable growth amid fierce competition.

According to analysts, this innovation might allow Curiosity Stream to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional subscriptions. After nearly a decade, the company reported its first positive net income in Q1 2025, highlighting the potential of this transformative strategy.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.