8 months ago
Americans Shift to Free TV
Americans are watching fewer new TV shows and more free TV.
YouTube is now the most popular streaming service, even bigger than Netflix and Amazon combined.
Free streaming services like Tubi and Roku are growing quickly, while paid services are becoming more expensive.
Disney, once a strong competitor, has lost ground in streaming.
Netflix still has the most hits, but its share is slipping.
The most-watched shows and movies are often reruns or older titles, with few new hits.
Apple TV is making progress but still has a small audience.
Overall, people are shifting towards free, ad-supported streaming.
YouTube has surpassed Netflix as the most popular streaming service on TVs.
Free, advertising-supported streaming services like Tubi and Roku are growing faster than paid ones.
Disney's streaming growth has stalled, with viewers spending half as much time on Disney+ as on Netflix.
Netflix accounts for two-thirds of streaming hits but its share of viewership has slipped below 20%.
The most-watched program of 2025 is 'Bluey', with 'Squid Game' being the most-watched original streaming show.
- Who
- Americans, Hollywood producers, streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Disney, YouTube, etc.)
- What
- Shift in TV viewing habits towards free, advertising-supported streaming services and a decline in new TV show viewership
- Where
- United States
- When
- Over the last few years, with data up to early November (year not specified)
- Why
- Free services are growing faster due to their appeal to price-sensitive viewers and the increasing cost of paid streaming services
Key facts
- Most Popular Original Streaming Series (Last 6 Years)
- Ozark
- Most Popular Streaming Service (Last Few Years)
- YouTube
- Streaming's Share of TV Viewing (2021)
- 26%
- Free Services' Share of Streaming Time
- More than 40%
- Most-Watched Streaming Movie (Last 6 Years)
- Moana
- Netflix's Share of Streaming Hits
- Two-thirds
- Netflix's Share of Streaming Viewership
- Below 20%
- Most-Watched Program of 2025
- Bluey
- Most-Watched Original Streaming Show of 2025
- Squid Game
- Most-Watched Movie on Streaming in 2025
- KPop Demon Hunters
Quotes
Financial Times
A prominent international financial newspaper
“The slow death of Britain’s TV channels”
telegraphindia.com
YouTube’s country managing director
The manager overseeing YouTube operations in India
“75 million viewers over 18 are consuming YouTube over a connected TV in their living rooms, making it a significant entertainment option. It had a revenue of Rs 14,300 crore in India. The company estimates that it contributes Rs 16,000 crore to India’s gross domestic product by way of payouts to either creators or media companies. Moreover, 15% of watch time on content produced in India comes from outside India.”
telegraphindia.com
BBC
A major public service broadcaster in the UK
“We apologize for an error of judgment over the edit, while disputing the charge that it was defamatory.”
telegraphindia.com
Donald Trump
The President of the United States of America
“Comcast, a cable giant, should be investigated for treason over the one-sided and vicious output of its NBC News and MSNBC channels.”
telegraphindia.com
The Economist
A widely recognized weekly newspaper focusing on international politics and business news
“Netflix has marched into every genre, from live comedy to sport, but has drawn the line at news. Because for media companies, news is becoming a toxic asset.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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