Streaming Beats Cable & Broadcast TV
- For the first time, streaming TV has grabbed a larger share of total viewership than broadcast and cable combined, according to a new Nielsen report.
- Compared to four years ago, streaming has surged 71%, while broadcast and cable have declined 21% and 39%, respectively.
- Fuhrer identified three key factors driving the streaming boom: the rise of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, YouTube's increasing popularity, and traditional media companies' strategic shift toward...
Streaming TV has officially overtaken cable and broadcast, marking a meaningful shift in how we consume content. This marks the first time ever that streaming viewership has surpassed traditional television formats.Driving this change are factors like the rising popularity of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels and the continued dominance of platforms like YouTube. Moreover, major media companies are strategically restructuring, prioritizing streaming services over linear broadcast. This strategic pivot includes content integration and new distribution methods that are reshaping the entire viewing landscape. Explore how thes developments, covered in this news update from News Directory 3, are influencing the future of entertainment and the growing influence of streaming services. Discover what’s next …
Streaming TV Surpasses Cable for First time in May
Updated June 18, 2025
For the first time, streaming TV has grabbed a larger share of total viewership than broadcast and cable combined, according to a new Nielsen report. In May,streaming accounted for 44.8% of TV viewing, while broadcast and cable totaled 44.2%.
Nielsen data shows a dramatic shift. Compared to four years ago, streaming has surged 71%, while broadcast and cable have declined 21% and 39%, respectively. brian Fuhrer, Nielsen’s senior vice president, noted that sports, news and new content had previously kept broadcast and cable competitive.
Fuhrer identified three key factors driving the streaming boom: the rise of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, YouTube’s increasing popularity, and traditional media companies’ strategic shift toward streaming.
The number of streaming platforms exceeding 1% of total TV viewing has more than doubled since May 2021, from five to 11. FAST channels like Pluto TV, Roku Channel, and Tubi now account for 5.7% of total viewing, surpassing individual broadcast networks.
YouTube’s main division has seen a 120% increase in viewership since 2021. In May, YouTube captured 12.5% of all television viewing, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase.
A Disney spokesperson said that original content produced for YouTube complements its long-form content on Disney+ and drives deeper engagement.
Traditional media companies are also adapting. Platforms like Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock now complement, rather than compete with, linear TV. For example, Super Bowl LIX aired on both Fox and Pipes, and the 2024 Olympics were available on NBC and Peacock.
Recent corporate restructuring may further accelerate these trends.Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split into two companies, one focused on streaming and studios, and the other on global networks. Comcast also plans to spin off