As an advisor to startups leveraging digital content, I‘ve seen firsthand how online video continues revolutionizing entertainment, marketing and communication. Recent statistics reveal rapid gains across streaming platforms, social media and mobile devices – with viewing habits shifting as new formats emerge.
Let‘s explore the most important numbers and trends on how people watch and create video content in 2024.
At A Glance: Key Online Video Consumption Statistics
- 82% of internet users watch video weekly (DataReportal)
- Average weekly viewing reaches 21 hours (Nielsen)
- 95% of views occur on mobile devices (Blockchain.com)
- 61% prefer long-form video over two minutes (Wyzowl)
- 100 minutes spent daily watching digital video by 18-34 year olds (Comscore)
As these numbers show, online video dominates as a media format – with mobile usage, youth engagement and evolving content driving growth.
Video Streaming Surges Across Platforms
Video streaming has fundamentally changed entertainment media, providing affordable, personalized and portable access.
- 91% of U.S. households have at least one paid streaming service (Deloitte)
- Average subscriber pays for 5 platforms, up from 3 services in 2020 (Kagan)
- 82% of streaming time occurs via subscription platforms rather than ad-supported (Conviva)
As the streaming landscape fragments across niche services, average viewers pay for a growing array of platforms. Advertising-based services also continue gaining appeal.
YouTube Still Leads, But Competition Intensifies
YouTube retains its advantage as the internet‘s top video platform.
- 95% of viewers choose YouTube over other free, ad-supported platforms (AudienceProject)
- YouTube reached over 50 million subscribers and $10 billion in annual revenue in 2024
However, TikTok and Facebook‘s massive global userbases chip away at YouTube‘s dominance – especially among teenage and young adult audiences. Competitors leverage short-form, mobile-first video.
- TikTok became the 7th most visited website globally, surpassing Instagram (Cloudflare)
- Reels makes up 20% of time spent on Instagram (LeakIX)
Across websites and apps focused on community, short video thrives – creating new viewing habits.
Live Video and Livestreams Gain Traction
Interactive technologies have also augmented online video, with streaming tools and mobile apps expanding use cases.
- 82% of internet users watched a livestream in 2024 (TechJury)
- Hours spent viewing live content grew 99% in last two years (Stream Hatchet)
- Super Bowl 2023 broke records with over 226 million live streams (Conviva)
Everything from concerts and conferences to celebrity broadcasts and product launches occurs through real-time video. Providing exclusive, in-the-moment experiences distinguishes livestreaming as platforms refine technology and discovery.
Young People Lead Surge in Live Video Creation
Over half of 18-34 year olds have livestreamed in the last year, mostly for social connection. Consider these generational differences:
- 63% of Gen Zers and Millennials livestream weekly (MomentCorp)
- Just 19% for Gen X try live video, while only 7% of Boomers do
As younger generations grow up on social media and internet-enabled phones, expect livestreaming for casual hangouts, gaming, shopping and more to proliferate.
Video Consumption Explodes on Mobile
Perhaps most importantly, mobile technology propels increases in online video use. Smartphones and tablets allow viewing during commutes, breaks or while multi-tasking.
- 95% of video plays occur on mobile globally (Blockchain.com)
- Average person spends 100 minutes daily watching mobile video (App Annie)
- 57% start video viewing on one device and finish on another (Brightcove)
Portability and shifting attention spans make phone and tablet dominance clear. Cross-device watching also emerges as the norm.
Social Media Prioritizes Video Creation for Mobile Users
As platforms optimize for smartphones, short video thrives – often spurring impulse uploading for users on-the-go.
- 500 million people watch Instagram Reels every day (Instagram)
- Over 50% of YouTube watch time comes from mobile (YouTube)
- 85% of TikTok users visit the app multiple times daily (Wallaroo)
The ubiquity of video across mobile apps and streaming services means online viewing migrates across platforms and devices as habits evolve. Short video dominates on smartphones, while long-form programming thrives in households.
And "lean back" viewing on living room smart TVs alternates with interactive viewing via tablets and phones. New behaviors like livestreaming signal generational shifts as video platforms cater to young demographics‘ tastes in social, shoppable content.
For anyone creating videos – or marketing any product – understanding these consumption patterns and online video development is essential to meet modern audience interests.
As an entrepreneur, stay on top of the numbers while remembering: mobile-first, snackable content still complements more immersive viewing experiences. Evaluate all the ways video can bolster your brand and business goals.
Sources:
- DataReportal, Nielsen, Blockchain.com, Wyzowl, Comscore, Deloitte, Kagan, Conviva, AudienceProject, Cloudflare, LeakIX, TechJury, StreamHatchet, MomentCorp, AppAnnie, Brightcove, Instagram, YouTube, Wallaroo
