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Streaming viewership exceeded cable and broadcast combined for the first timelast month, report says
In May, streaming services achieved a historic milestone by surpassing cable and broadcast TV combined in U.S. viewership, capturing 44.8% of total television viewership, per Nielsen. Streaming usage has surged 71% since May 2021, while cable and broadcast viewing plummeted. YouTube led with 12.5% viewership, followed by Netflix at 7.5%, with free services contributing significantly to the growth.
Key points
- Streaming services' viewership reached 44.8%, surpassing cable and broadcast TV's 44.2%.
- Streaming rose 71% compared to May 2021; cable and broadcast down 39% and 21% respectively.
- YouTube was the most viewed platform at 12.5%, followed by Netflix at 7.5%.
- Free streaming services like PlutoTV, Roku Channel, and Tubi gained traction, accounting for 5.7% of total viewing.
Why it matters
- This trend aligns with the ongoing shift from traditional television to digital content consumption.
- By 2025, the growth of streaming services and possible trend towards ad-supported models indicate changes in viewer habits.
- As more people prefer on-demand content, major players in media must adapt to maintain their audience.
The surpassing of traditional TV by streaming services reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences, indicating a new era in media consumption that is likely to continue evolving.