subscriber

A subscriber is an individual or organization that gains access to a service, publication, or channel by entering into a subscription. Subscriptions typically involve ongoing access and recurring payments or a continuing agreement to receive content, updates, or services for a set period or indefinitely.

In publishing and media, subscribers receive magazines, newspapers, or newsletters on a regular basis, often at reduced rates compared with single-issue purchases. In online platforms and streaming services, the term describes users or patrons who sign up to receive content updates or to access premium features; notably, on YouTube, subscribing to a channel is usually free, whereas on platforms like Twitch, subscribers pay a monthly fee and gain benefits such as emotes and chat privileges.

In telecommunications and networking, a subscriber is a customer of a service provider, typically identified by an account and, in mobile networks, a SIM card or subscriber identity module. In computing, the term also appears in publish–subscribe architectures, where a subscriber is a process or client that receives messages published to a topic by a publisher.

Business and analytics use metrics such as subscriber base, churn rate, lifetime value, and renewal rate to assess growth and engagement. Privacy and data protection considerations arise when collecting subscriber information, and terms of service govern access, cancellation, and refunds. See also: subscription, audience, customer.