TV Show/ Movie Streaming by Americans has Increased Dramatically in the Past Six Months
New York, NY -- Americans with Internet access are streaming more TV shows and movies than ever before. Recent data from Ipsos MediaCT's MOTION study illustrates that in the past 30 days, 26% of online Americans have streamed a full-length TV show and 14% have streamed a full-length movie. This is more than two times the levels measured in September 2008. Not surprisingly, young adults 18 to 24 years of age have been the most ardent supporters of this medium. What is surprising is just how supportive they are - in the past 30 days, 30% have streamed a full-length movie and 51% have streamed a full-length TV show, which represent dramatic increases from last year.
The rapid rise in longer form video streaming can be attributed to the swift growth of many digital video websites since last year. Hulu, in particular, has experienced heightened exposure and visitation, and has helped pioneer the transition to ad-supported free streaming of TV shows and movies. Now that the ad-supported content model is taking off, content providers will be challenged to monetize their content through alternative fee-based methods given the acceptance of the ad-supported or "free" model. In addition, content providers will need to understand the appropriate level of advertising that streamers will be willing to tolerate for their content. "The digital video revolution is no longer centered on short clips via YouTube; it is becoming an important distribution channel where any type of full-length video can be instantly accessed for immediate consumption without a fee," explains Brian Pickens, Senior Research Manager at Ipsos MediaCT.
This is not to say that digital video is replacing the TV - far from it. Currently, the average American with Internet access watches 15 hours of television per week, compared to less than two hours on their PC. Furthermore, even among digital video users, 64% would rather watch hour-long dramas and half-hour comedies live on their TV than rent or purchase them, or watch them on their PC or portable device. Clearly, the TV is still preferred, especially considering the rapid growth of HDTV, now in 41% of homes with Internet access.
Data were sourced from the April 2009 wave of Ipsos MediaCT's MOTION study, which was conducted via online interviews among a representative online population aged 12 years and older. To learn more about MOTION, a biannual, syndicated study tracking the U.S. online video market, please visit: http://www.ipsosmediact.com/products/motion_overview.aspx.
For more information, please contact: Brian Pickens Senior Research Manager Ipsos MediaCT (612) 573-8520 [email protected]
About Ipsos MediaCT
Ipsos MediaCT is the specialization within Ipsos dedicated to serving clients in the converging Media, Content, Telecoms & Technology Industries. Areas of expertise include audience measurement, consumer insight, customer acquisition and retention, market sizing and new product development. Our global team combines rigorous research skills with a clear business focus to assist companies in maximizing their return on investment.
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