Services Management Help
Quick Overview
The Services page is where you manage all your streaming subscriptions. Track which services you pay for, see which ones give you the best value, and get smart recommendations for optimizing your streaming budget.
💳 Subscription Management
Tracking Your Subscriptions
- Toggle Subscription: Click the "Subscribed" badge to mark services as active/inactive
- Free Services: Mark free services like YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV as "Free"
- Pricing: Keep prices current with the "Refresh Prices" button
- Cost Tracking: See total monthly cost at the top of the page
Adding New Services
- Search Services: Use "Search Services" to find common streaming platforms
- Add Custom: Use "Add Service" for services not in our database
- Set Details: Configure pricing and subscription status
- Mark as Free: Toggle free status for ad-supported services
📊 Value Analysis
Understanding the Metrics
| Metric | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Shows Count | Unwatched shows available on this service |
| Value Score | Shows per dollar (higher = better value) |
| Cost per Show | Monthly cost divided by available shows |
| Subscription Status | Green = subscribed, Gray = not subscribed |
Pro Tip: Focus on services with high value scores - they give you the most content per dollar!
📦 Service Packages
Understanding Tiers
Many services offer multiple subscription tiers:
- Basic/Essential: Lowest cost, often with ads
- Standard: Mid-tier, usually HD quality
- Premium: Highest cost, 4K and extras
Managing Packages
- Click "Packages" next to any service
- Review available tiers and features
- Select the tier you actually subscribe to
- Your cost analysis updates automatically
Important: Selecting the correct package ensures accurate cost tracking and recommendations.
🎯 Smart Recommendations
How Recommendations Work
Our recommendation engine considers:
- Content Availability: Shows you want to watch
- Cost Efficiency: Price per show value
- Current Subscriptions: What you already have
- Watch History: Your viewing preferences
Test Recommendations
Click "Test Recommendations" to see:
- Which service to subscribe to next
- Which services to consider canceling
- Value analysis breakdown
- Potential monthly savings
Strategy: The goal is to maximize content while minimizing cost. Focus on services with multiple shows you want to watch.
⚡ Quick Actions
Optimizing Your Subscriptions
- Monthly Review: Check value scores regularly
- Cancel Low-Value: Unsubscribe from services with no unwatched shows
- Seasonal Subscriptions: Subscribe only when new seasons air
- Bundle Opportunities: Look for services with package deals
- Free Alternatives: Add free services for additional content
Maintenance Tasks
- Refresh Prices: Monthly to keep costs current
- Update Subscriptions: When you cancel or add services
- Review Packages: Check if you can downgrade tiers
- Clean Up: Remove services you'll never use
💡 Best Practices
Money-Saving Strategies
- Rotate Subscriptions: Subscribe to one service at a time
- Watch Everything: Maximize value by watching shows on paid services first
- Use Free Services: Add free platforms for extra content
- Annual Discounts: Some services offer annual savings
- Family Plans: Share costs with family members
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Keeping subscriptions for shows you've already watched
- Subscribing to premium tiers you don't need
- Not tracking free service content
- Forgetting to cancel temporary subscriptions
- Not checking for better alternatives regularly
Goal: Aim for 2-3 active subscriptions with high value scores. This typically provides the best balance of content and cost.
🔧 Troubleshooting
Service Won't Add
- Check if the service already exists
- Try searching with different keywords
- Use "Add Service" for custom services
Wrong Pricing
- Use "Refresh Prices" to update to market rates
- Manually edit prices if needed
- Check if you selected the right package tier
Value Analysis Issues
- Ensure shows are properly assigned to services
- Mark completed shows as watched
- Update subscription status correctly
📈 Advanced Tips
Maximizing Insights
- Track Trends: Note which services consistently rank high
- Seasonal Patterns: Some services are better during certain times
- Content Quality: Consider show quality, not just quantity
- Release Schedules: Time subscriptions with new season releases
Integration with Other Features
- Use the dashboard to see service-specific show counts
- Check export data to backup your service preferences
- Review upcoming episodes to plan subscriptions
- Use search to add shows and update service values
Time Investment: Spend 10-15 minutes monthly reviewing your services to optimize your streaming budget effectively.