Online entertainment is a massive market and it seems likely that it will continue to grow over the coming years, especially as companies jump at the opportunity to break into the Metaverse proposed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

With so many options, it can be easy to get lost in the loop of endlessly scrolling. You can lose hours looking at streaming services for something to watch, looking at the app store for a new game or useful tool, or hours simply looking through social media posts. While some do find it relaxing, the endless scrolling can be quite infuriating, leaving you feeling like a hamster on a wheel unable to find what you’re looking for.

This article will hopefully help cut through some of that indecision by suggesting some of the top sources of online entertainment in 2022. From streaming services to online gaming, here are our top suggestions.

Streaming services

Streaming services are a growing business that has rapidly become impossible to keep up with. It seems like every channel and production company has decided to launch its own service. Subscribing to all of them is prohibitively expensive for most people, especially when there is simply too much content to consume.

Before subscribing to any service, do your research on what they have to offer. Disney+ is great if you have children or enjoy Marvel content but could be a waste of money otherwise. Similarly, Apple TV+ produces some amazing content but its library is not as expansive as many services.

A generalized service such as Stan or Netflix is a sensible selection. Despite the fact that Netflix has begun to lose subscribers over their recent price increases and decision to crack down on password sharing, they still remain a powerhouse in the streaming market. This is due to their ability to discover and produce hit content such as Stranger Things, now in its fourth season.

Online gambling

Online gambling has been steadily increasing its market share for the last decade. The last few years of the global Covid-19 pandemic have contributed considerably to this rise as people sought a way to enjoy their casino favourites without actually having to go to a casino.

Poker was one of the first competitive card games to become a digital success and most online casinos now offer a number of poker varieties alongside blackjack, roulette and other table games. Players can now also choose between playing against the AI or a live dealer. The live dealer allows the online casino industry to more closely mimic the traditional land-based casino experience.

Nowadays, however, it is the slot machine games where the real focus is. Playing the online pokies is a pastime that has grown massively in popularity around the world. Developers are able to produce engaging, high-quality games in so many different themes and styles that it is easy for anyone to find a game that will hold their interest.

When choosing an online casino, consider their game library and the payment methods that they accept. It is also important to be aware of where they are licensed, and which regulatory bodies oversee their operations. This can help keep your deposits and personal data safe.

Mobile gaming

The massive success of mobile gaming swept the gaming industry off their feet and shocked the world. Even more than a decade since the first hugely viral mobile games, the industry remains strong. Part of this continued success is due to the industry’s ability and willingness to diversify to attract a broader audience.

Word games and puzzle games are among the most widely downloaded genres. The viral success of the word game Wordle and the subsequent over a million dollar buyout by The New York Times, shows that there is still a huge demand for engaging brain-teasing games, even ones that don’t encourage extended play or require hours of investment.

As with other forms of online entertainment, a bit of research can save you from hours spent searching through the app store. Tech and lifestyle blogs often publish guides to the best mobile games, and these can be a great place to start to help you narrow down your search before it begins.

Limiting the genres you’re interested in is an important step. I Love Hue, for example, is a relaxing puzzle game but it will most likely bore players who prefer First Person Shooters or Role-Playing Games. Lastly, consider whether or not you’re willing to pay for a game or would prefer a free game with in-app purchases.

Staying entertained online is an easy thing to do but finding high-quality entertainment requires a bit more effort. However, the enjoyment you’ll get from engaging with apps and services tailored to your preferences is well worth the effort.