For the first time ever, YouTube has officially overtaken Netflix and Disney+ in viewing time, making it bigger than cable and broadcast TV in the US.
According to Nielsen data, YouTube now holds a 12.5% share of total television viewing in the country. That means people are spending more hours watching YouTube than they are on Netflix and Disney+ combined.
While media giants are pouring billions into creating blockbuster shows and films to win over subscribers, YouTube has quietly built the world’s largest entertainment empire through user-generated content, podcasts, and independent creators.
Interestingly, nearly half (49%) of the videos watched on YouTube are longer than 11 minutes. On television screens, about 60% of YouTube viewing sessions last at least half an hour—showing that people aren’t just scrolling quickly but settling in for long sessions.
