Americans saw subscription and rental costs for video streaming and video games jump 29 percent from December 2024 to December 2025, according to new federal data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this spike far outpaced the 2.7 percent overall inflation rate. The category includes services like Netflix and Disney+.

This sharp rise reflects a broader industry shift. Major providers, facing stagnant subscriber growth, have aggressively raised prices to boost revenue. Last year, nearly every mainstream service, including HBO Max and Apple TV, increased fees. They also cracked down on password sharing and introduced ads, moves designed to monetize viewers more effectively.

From November to December 2025 alone, prices rose an adjusted 19.5 percent. The increase eclipsed inflation for groceries like coffee and beef. Experts anticipate prices will continue climbing in 2026, likely through premium upcharges for features like 4K streaming or bundled service packages designed to limit cancellations.