The Most Popular Streaming Platform You Use Every Day, That’s Not Netflix

Netflix was unable to secure the leading position in Nielsen’s streaming ratings, as another platform dominated viewership in July 2024.

Due to the rise of streaming services, it is now common for individuals to have several direct debits associated with various platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Peacock, Disney Plus, and Max.

Despite the total sign-ups of Max, Hulu, and Paramount Plus combined, Netflix still has more subscribers than its competitors. However, Amazon remains in second place, with a difference of over 40 million subscribers compared to Netflix.

On the other hand, the main competitor of this website is YouTube, which is available for free and does not require a subscription unless you prefer an ad-free experience.

According to the July report from Nielsen’s The Gauge, streaming platform YouTube captured 10.4% of all TV viewing, making it the first of its kind to do so. It surpassed Netflix, which held 8.4%, while Prime Video (3.4%), Hulu (2.7%), and Disney Plus (2.1%) trailed far behind. This statistic follows YouTube’s 9.9% audience share in June.

Consider this: how often do you access YouTube on a daily basis? The demand for online content created by individuals is continually increasing, and the emergence of smart TVs has reinforced its influence in people’s daily routines.

According to CNBC, Tara Walpert Levy, the vice president of Americas for YouTube, clarified that “YouTube’s dominance in the streaming industry and its impact on people’s viewing experiences, not just on mobile devices but also in their living rooms, may have caught some people by surprise.”

“When Nielsen first announced that YouTube was dominating the streaming industry in terms of viewership, not just for ad-supported platforms, I received a lot of reactions from my friends in advertising and media. They were all surprised and impressed, as it surpassed even our own expectations.”

Despite the concerns, Netflix remains confident. In a statement to its shareholders, the company emphasized its unique blend of quality content, advanced recommendations, wide audience reach, and dedicated fan base, all of which contribute to the platform’s strong user engagement.

“According to the statement, focusing on these key areas will not only please our members but also drive the growth of our business.”