They gain a lot thanks to network effects. Non-paying customers contribute to viewing numbers and engagement (likes + comments + subscriptions). But most import

They gain a lot thanks to network effects. Non-paying customers contribute to viewing numbers and engagement (likes + comments + subscriptions). But most importantly, they bring others to the platform by sharing links to videos and discussing them with others. See [1]: > In 2013, the boss of Time-Warner (which owns HBO), Jeff Bewkes, declared that piracy was: “Better than an Emmy” because more people watching the show inevitably led to more people deciding to pay for subscriptions. [1]: https://theconversation.com/game-of-thrones-for-hbo-piracy-is-better-than-an-emmy-as-it-battles-netflix-115384 https://theconversation.com/game-of-thrones-for-hbo-piracy-i...