National Geographic is a global media company and brand that has captivated audiences for over a century with its storytelling and visually stunning content. Recognized for its iconic yellow-bordered magazine, National Geographic has expanded its reach across various platforms, encompassing television channels, digital platforms, and immersive experiences. The brand’s primary focus is showcasing visitors to discover the world’s wonders, from exploring the ocean’s depths to uncovering the natural world’s mysteries.
National Geographic’s unique approach to storytelling sets it apart from its competitors. With a rich legacy of exploration and scientific research, the brand fosters a deep sense of curiosity and wonder among its audience. Through its captivating documentaries, articles, and photography, National Geographic provides visitors with a window into unexplored territories, diverse cultures, and fragile ecosystems, inspiring a deep appreciation for the planet we inhabit.
- Product Type: Media
- Industry: Publishing
- Founded Date: January 27, 1888
- Founders: Gardiner Greene Hubbard, Alexander Graham Bell
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Gary E. Knell
Table of Contents
The top National Geographic competitors are
1. Discovery Channel
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: June 17, 1985
- Founders: John Hendricks
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: David Zaslav
Discovery Channel is a famous brand known for its wide range of educational and entertainment programming. They offer an extensive lineup of shows covering various subjects, including science, nature, history, and adventure. With a focus on captivating storytelling and high-quality production, Discovery Channel aims to find how to engage and educate viewers through immersive and visually stunning content.
2. BBC Earth
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: 2009
- Founders: BBC Worldwide
- Headquarters: Bristol, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Tim Davie
BBC Earth is a renowned brand producing remarkable documentaries and series about the natural world. They offer an extraordinary collection of visually captivating and informative shows, exploring various aspects of our planet’s wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. With a reputation for exceptional cinematography, acting, and narration, BBC Earth continuously delivers engaging and insightful content that appeals to nature enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
3. Animal Planet
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: October 1, 1996
- Founders: Discovery, Inc.
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: David Zaslav
Animal Planet is a well-known television network that focuses on everything related to animals. With a blend of educational and entertaining programming, they aim to promote awareness and appreciation of the animal kingdom. From wildlife documentaries and animals to fascinating animal rescue stories, Animal Planet provides a platform for viewers to view and connect with animals and creatures around the globe while highlighting conservation efforts and showcasing the wonders of the animal world.
4. Smithsonian Channel
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: September 26, 2007
- Founders: Smithsonian Institution and Showtime Networks
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Tom Hayden
Smithsonian Channel is a prestigious brand that combines the knowledge and expertise of the Smithsonian Institution with engaging storytelling. With a strong emphasis on history, culture, science, and exploration, the channel offers many documentaries and series that delve deep into captivating subjects. Smithsonian Channel’s content seeks to educate and entertain viewers by providing them with unique and informative perspectives.
5. PBS Nature
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: October 10, 1982
- Founders: WNET
- Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: Paula Kerger
PBS Nature is a trusted source for natural history documentaries that capture the beauty and diversity of the Earth’s flora and fauna. Known for their in-depth storytelling and scientific accuracy in field shows, PBS Nature offers viewers an opportunity to explore, view, and understand the wonders of the natural world. From awe-inspiring journeys through ecosystems to close encounters with fascinating wildlife, PBS Nature delivers an enriching viewing experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
6. Science Channel
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: September 1, 1996
- Founders: Discovery, Inc.
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: David Zaslav
Science Channel is a brand that explores and explains the wonders of science, technology, and the natural world. They aim to inform and entertain viewers with captivating insights into various scientific disciplines through documentaries, series, and educational programming. Science Channel’s content covers multiple subjects, including space exploration, engineering feats, medical breakthroughs, and cutting-edge discoveries, making science accessible and engaging for all.
7. History Channel
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: January 1, 1995
- Founders: A&E Networks, Hearst Communications, and Disney Media Networks
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Paul Buccieri
History Channel is a well-established brand offering diverse content centered around historical events, figures, and civilizations. From immersive documentaries to captivating series, the History Channel aims to bring history to life and make it accessible to a broader audience. With a blend of educational and entertaining programs, they provide viewers with insights into the past while encouraging a deeper understanding of the world we live in today.
8. Travel Channel
- Product Type: Documentary and non-fiction television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: February 1, 1987
- Founders: Trans World Airlines and The Travel Channel, Inc.
- Headquarters: Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Henry Schleiff
Travel Channel is a famous brand that caters to adventurous individuals and companies seeking inspiration and information for their travel experiences. Travel Channel offers viewers a virtual journey to destinations worldwide through various shows and web series, providing insights into different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. With a focus on travel tips, recommendations, and immersive storytelling, Travel Channel is a valuable resource for aspiring explorers and travel enthusiasts.
9. Planet Earth
- Product Type: Documentary television series
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: March 5, 2006
- Founders: BBC Natural History Unit
- Headquarters: Bristol, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
Planet Earth is a widely acclaimed documentary series produced by the BBC, known for its exceptional cinematography and immersive storytelling. The series offers an extraordinary exploration of the Earth’s diverse ecosystems, providing viewers with stunning visuals and in-depth narratives about the wonders of the natural world. With a focus on conservation and an aim to raise awareness about the fragility and beauty of our planet, Planet Earth continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
10. Blue Planet
- Product Type: Documentary television series
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: September 12, 2001
- Founders: BBC Natural History Unit
- Headquarters: Bristol, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
Blue Planet is another remarkable documentary series produced by the BBC that focuses on the Earth’s oceans and marine life. With breathtaking underwater footage and compelling storytelling, this time, the series delves into the mysteries of the deep, highlighting the incredible biodiversity and interconnectedness of the world beneath the waves. Blue Planet presents a mesmerizing exploration of the oceans, this time addressing critical environmental issues and severe questions and inspiring viewers to protect our fragile blue planet.
11. NHK World
- Product Type: News and documentary television programming
- Industry: Mass media
- Founded Date: April 1, 1998
- Founders: NHK
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Ryoichi Ueda
NHK World is a global broadcasting service operated by Japan’s national public broadcasting organization. It offers a range of informative and culturally rich programs that showcase various aspects of Japan, including its traditions, technology, history, and natural beauty. NHK World allows international viewers to discover and appreciate the unique wonders of Japan, promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering global connections.
12. NOVA
- Product Type: Science documentary television program
- Industry: Television broadcasting
- Founded Date: March 3, 1974
- Founders: Michael Ambrosino, Jack Churchill, and Christopher Sarson
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Paula S. Apsell
NOVA is a long-running science documentary series the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) produced. Known for its rigorous scientific investigations and informative storytelling, NOVA covers various topics, including physics, astronomy, biology, and archaeology. With a commitment to accuracy and educational value, NOVA engages viewers with its thought-provoking exploration of scientific discoveries, advancements, and the mysteries of the universe.
13. BBC Two
- Product Type: Television network
- Industry: Television broadcasting
- Founded Date: April 20, 1964
- Founders: British Broadcasting Corporation
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: United Kingdom
- Current CEO: Tim Davie
BBC Two is a television channel offering diverse programming, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, and educational content. With a reputation for high-quality productions and thought-provoking shows, BBC Two covers various subjects, including history, science, nature, and arts. By providing a platform for innovative and engaging content, BBC Two aims to entertain, inform, and inspire viewers with its broad range of programming.
14. Netflix (documentary section)
- Product Type: Streaming service
- Industry: Entertainment
- Founded Date: August 29, 1997
- Founders: Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph
- Headquarters: Los Gatos, California, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Reed Hastings
Netflix, a leading streaming platform company, offers various documentaries across various genres. With a dedicated documentary section, Netflix provides viewers with an extensive range of informative and thought-provoking content. From true crime to nature, history, and social issues, Netflix offers an easily accessible platform for audiences to discover and explore various topics and satisfy their curiosity.
15. Amazon Prime Video (documentary section)
- Product Type: Streaming service
- Industry: Entertainment
- Founded Date: September 7, 2006
- Founders: Jeff Bezos
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Andy Jassy
Amazon Prime Video, a popular streaming service, includes a dedicated documentary section that offers a diverse selection of informative and engaging films and series. With a wide range of topics covered, including science, nature, history, and culture, Amazon Prime Video provides viewers with convenience and accessibility to find enriching and educational documentaries and discover them within their subscription.
16. CuriosityStream
- Product Type: Streaming service
- Industry: Entertainment
- Founded Date: March 18, 2015
- Founders: John Hendricks
- Headquarters: Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Clint Stinchcomb
CuriosityStream is a subscription-based streaming service that specializes in high-quality documentary programming. With a focus on topics such as science, technology, history, and nature, CuriosityStream offers viewers a vast collection of informative and visually captivating content. The platform aims to satisfy the curiosity of its subscribers by providing them with a wide range of immersive and educational documentaries.
17. Smithsonian Mag
- Product Type: Magazine
- Industry: Publishing
- Founded Date: 1970
- Founders: Smithsonian Institution
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
Smithsonian Mag is the official publication of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States. It covers various subjects, including science, history, art, culture, and nature. With in-depth articles, stunning photography, and expert analysis, Smithsonian Mag offers readers a valuable resource for exploring and understanding the world around them. Its insightful content aims to engage, educate, and inspire curiosity in readers of all interests.
18. National Geographic Kids
- Product Type: Children’s magazine
- Industry: Publishing
- Founded Date: September 1975
- Founders: National Geographic Society
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Gary E. Knell
National Geographic Kids is a renowned media and brand-name company that primarily targets children and provides educational content related to wildlife, science, and geography. It offers engaging magazines, books, TV shows, and interactive online platforms to nurture a child’s curiosity and love for nature.
19. Hulu (documentary section)
- Product Type: Streaming service
- Industry: Entertainment
- Founded Date: October 29, 2007
- Founders: Beth Comstock, Jason Kilar
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States
- Area Served: United States and Japan
- Current CEO: Kelly Campbell
Hulu is a popular streaming service that includes a dedicated documentary section. It offers many documentaries covering diverse topics such as nature, history, science, and culture. Hulu provides a convenient platform for users to access high-quality documentaries on-demand.
20. Sky Nature
- Product Type: Television channel
- Industry: Television broadcasting
- Founded Date: May 27, 2021
- Founders: Sky Group
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: United Kingdom and Ireland
- Current CEO: Stephen van Rooyen
Sky Nature is a television channel specializing in broadcasting nature and environment-related content. It features captivating documentaries showcasing the wonders of the natural world, including wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental issues. Sky Nature provides viewers with an immersive experience, bringing the beauty and diversity of nature into their homes.
21. CCTV-9 Documentary Channel
- Product Type: Television channel
- Industry: Television broadcasting
- Founded Date: January 1, 2011
- Founders: China Central Television
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Area Served: Worldwide
CCTV-9 Documentary Channel is a Chinese television channel that focuses on non-fiction programming. It offers documentaries covering various topics, including nature, history, science, and culture. CCTV-9 Documentary Channel aims to provide informative and educational content to its viewers.
22. Smithsonian Learning Lab
- Product Type: Educational platform
- Industry: Education
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: Smithsonian Institution
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
Smithsonian Learning Lab is an online platform that offers educational resources, including videos, interactive activities, and lesson plans. It provides access to a vast collection of materials from the Smithsonian Institution, covering various topics, including natural history, science, art, and culture. Smithsonian Learning Lab is a valuable resource for students and educators alike.
23. Al Jazeera (Documentary division)
- Product Type: Television channel
- Industry: Television broadcasting
- Founded Date: November 1, 1996
- Founders: Emir of Qatar
- Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Mostefa Souag
Al Jazeera (Documentary division), the renowned news network, has a dedicated documentary division that produces engaging and thought-provoking documentaries. It covers various subjects such as world affairs, politics, society, health, and science. Al Jazeera’s documentary division is known for its in-depth coverage and compelling storytelling.
24. Vice Media (documentary production)
- Product Type: Documentary Production
- Industry: Media
- Founded Date: 1994
- Founders: Suroosh Alvi, Shane Smith, Gavin McInnes
- Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Nancy Dubuc
Vice Media is a global media company that produces documentaries on various topics, including culture, politics, sports, and the environment. Its documentaries often tackle unique and lesser-known subjects, offering viewers a fresh and unconventional perspective.
25. BBC Future
- Product Type: Online magazine
- Industry: Media
- Founded Date: 2012
- Founders: BBC
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Tim Davie
BBC Future is a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) division that focuses on producing science, technology, and innovation content. It provides articles, videos, and documentaries that explore the latest advancements and trends in these fields. BBC Future aims to inform and engage audiences with insightful and accessible content.
26. Atlas Obscura
- Product Type: Online travel guide
- Industry: Travel
- Founded Date: 2009
- Founders: Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, Ella Morton
- Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: David Plotz
Atlas Obscura is an online platform celebrating the world’s hidden wonders and offbeat destinations. It offers articles, videos, and curated content highlighting unusual places, incredible natural formations, and unique cultural practices. Atlas Obscura invites users to explore and appreciate the lesser-known aspects of our world.
27. TED-Ed
- Product Type: Educational videos
- Industry: Education
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: TED
- Headquarters: New York, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
- Current CEO: Chris Anderson
TED-Ed is an educational initiative that offers engaging and informative videos on various subjects, including science, history, and technology. These videos feature expert educators who use captivating storytelling techniques to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible manner. TED-Ed encourages curiosity and lifelong learning.
28. The Weather Channel
- Product Type: Weather forecasting
- Industry: Media
- Founded Date: 1982
- Founders: John Coleman, Frank Batten
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Area Served: United States
- Current CEO: David Kenny
The Weather Channel is a trusted source for weather, health, and environment-related information and forecasts. While primarily focusing on weather updates, it also produces informative documentaries on climate, natural disasters, health, and environmental issues. The Weather Channel strives to provide accurate and engaging content that helps viewers understand and appreciate the forces of nature.
29. Crash Course
- Product Type: Educational videos
- Industry: Education
- Founded Date: 2011
- Founders: Hank Green, John Green
- Headquarters: Missoula, Montana, United States
- Area Served: Worldwide
Crash Course is a YouTube channel that offers educational videos on various subjects, including science, history, and literature. These videos are hosted by knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenters who break down complex concepts into easily understandable segments. Crash Course aims to make learning fun and accessible for viewers of all ages.
30. BBC Bitesize
- Product Type: Educational website
- Industry: Education
- Founded Date: 1998
- Founders: BBC
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Area Served: United Kingdom
- Current CEO: Tim Davie
BBC Bitesize is an online platform designed to support students’ learning journey. It provides educational resources across various subjects, including videos, interactive activities, and revision guides. BBC Bitesize offers comprehensive and concise content, making it a valuable tool for students seeking additional study resources.
These were all National Geographic’s competitors. If you know any other competitors, please do write in the comments below.
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