Media Consumption Statistics • WorldMetrics

Worldmetrics Report 2024

Media Consumption Statistics

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • The average American person spends over 12 hours per day consuming media.
  • Internet will account for 53.6% of global media consumption in 2021.
  • By 2021, daily online content consumption per capita will be 84 minutes globally.
  • In 2020, it was found that U.S. adults spend an average of 62 minutes per day on social media.
  • In 2020, consumers in China spent an average of 105 minutes per day viewing online videos.
  • Traditional TV is still the most widely consumed news medium, at 65%, in the US.
  • In 2021, two-thirds of all Internet traffic is video content.
  • The average time spent per day on social media is 144 minutes.
  • The average adult spends 38 minutes per day on Facebook.
  • In 2020, around 15% of people in the United States listened to a podcast on a weekly basis.
  • In 2021, 50.1% of time spent on digital media in the US was on mobile applications.
  • By the end of 2022, there will be over 3 billion global social media users.
  • Worldwide digital ad spending is projected to reach 389 billion USD in 2021.
  • In 2020, 70% of people in the United States read print media on a regular basis.
  • It is forecasted that, in 2022, 82% of the internet traffic will come from video streaming and downloads.
  • In 2020, eMarketer estimated that the average US adult spent just 3 minutes per day using a smartwatch.
  • In 2019, it was found that tweens and teens in the U.S. spend nearly 6 hours consuming media each day.
  • 2020 research shows that over 50% of all US media revenue was earned digitally.
  • Over one billion hours of YouTube videos are watched every single day.
  • According to eMarketer, US adults spend 25% of their daily time on mobile devices.

In today’s digital age, media consumption has become an integral part of our daily lives. Understanding the trends and statistics surrounding how we consume media can provide valuable insights into our behaviors, preferences, and the ever-evolving media landscape. Join us as we delve into some fascinating media consumption statistics that shed light on the way we engage with content in this interconnected world.

The Latest Media Consumption Statistics Explained

The average American person spends over 12 hours per day consuming media.

The statistic that the average American person spends over 12 hours per day consuming media indicates the significant amount of time individuals in the United States dedicate to engaging with various forms of media such as TV, social media, websites, music, video games, and more. This high level of media consumption highlights the pervasive influence of media on people’s daily lives, shaping their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions. The data suggests that media usage has become a dominant and integral aspect of modern American society, prompting considerations about potential impacts on well-being, social interactions, productivity, and mental health among individuals in the country.

Internet will account for 53.6% of global media consumption in 2021.

The statistic states that in 2021, internet usage is projected to represent 53.6% of all media consumption globally. This indicates that more than half of the time spent consuming various types of media, such as watching videos, reading articles, or listening to music, will be done on online platforms. This trend highlights the increasing importance and popularity of the internet as a primary source of entertainment, information, and communication for people around the world. The statistic suggests the significant impact of digital technology on how individuals interact with media content and underscores the continued shift towards a more interconnected and digitally-driven society.

By 2021, daily online content consumption per capita will be 84 minutes globally.

The statistic “By 2021, daily online content consumption per capita will be 84 minutes globally” refers to the estimated average amount of time people around the world are expected to spend consuming online content each day in 2021. This statistic indicates a growing trend towards online information consumption and highlights the increasing role that digital platforms play in the daily lives of individuals worldwide. Factors such as the proliferation of smartphones, the availability of high-speed internet, and the rise of digital content providers are likely contributing to this trend. Monitoring and understanding such statistics are crucial for businesses and content creators looking to engage with audiences in an increasingly digital landscape.

In 2020, it was found that U.S. adults spend an average of 62 minutes per day on social media.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, U.S. adults spent an average of 62 minutes per day on social media platforms. This figure provides insight into the significant role that social media plays in the daily lives of Americans, highlighting the widespread use and constant engagement with digital platforms. The amount of time spent on social media suggests a high level of reliance on these platforms for communication, information consumption, entertainment, and possibly as a means of social connection. It also underscores the potential influence of social media on individuals’ behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions due to the frequency and duration of usage. Furthermore, this statistic can be valuable for marketers, researchers, policymakers, and others seeking to understand the impact and reach of social media in society.

In 2020, consumers in China spent an average of 105 minutes per day viewing online videos.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, consumers in China spent an average of 105 minutes per day watching online videos. This suggests a significant amount of time is devoted to consuming digital video content, highlighting the popularity and prevalence of online videos as a form of entertainment and communication in China. The high average viewing time may reflect various factors such as the widespread availability of internet access, the popularity of video-sharing platforms, and the increasing use of smartphones for video consumption. This statistic emphasizes the importance of online video content as a key medium for reaching and engaging with Chinese audiences, and further emphasizes the growing shift towards digital media consumption.

Traditional TV is still the most widely consumed news medium, at 65%, in the US.

The statistic “Traditional TV is still the most widely consumed news medium, at 65%, in the US” indicates that television remains the primary source of news consumption for the majority of Americans, with 65% of the population relying on it for their news updates. This suggests that despite the rise of digital media platforms and online news sources, television continues to hold a significant market share in the news industry. The statistic highlights the enduring popularity and influence of traditional television broadcasting as a trusted source of news information for a large segment of the population in the United States.

In 2021, two-thirds of all Internet traffic is video content.

The statistic that two-thirds of all Internet traffic in 2021 is video content indicates that the majority of data being transmitted over the Internet is in the form of videos. This suggests a significant shift in user behavior towards consuming video-based content online, possibly driven by the rise of platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and social media streaming services. The surge in video internet traffic may also be attributed to the increasing popularity of video conferencing, live streaming, and online gaming. This statistic highlights the importance of video content in today’s digital landscape and underscores the need for businesses and content creators to prioritize video marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with online audiences.

The average time spent per day on social media is 144 minutes.

The statistic ‘The average time spent per day on social media is 144 minutes’ indicates that, on average, individuals spend approximately 144 minutes each day engaging with social media platforms. This average is derived by calculating the total time spent by a group of individuals on social media, then dividing that total by the number of individuals in the group. By stating this average, it provides insight into the typical behavior of individuals in terms of their social media usage patterns. It is important to note that this average may vary among different demographics, age groups, and regions, but serves as a useful indicator of overall trends in social media consumption.

The average adult spends 38 minutes per day on Facebook.

The statistic “The average adult spends 38 minutes per day on Facebook” represents the mean amount of time adults spend on the social media platform on a daily basis. This average duration is calculated by summing up the time spent by all adults on Facebook and dividing it by the total number of adults in the sample. This statistic indicates that Facebook is a significant part of many adults’ daily routines, with individuals spending nearly 40 minutes each day engaging with the platform. This information is useful for understanding the extent of Facebook’s influence and the amount of time individuals allocate to social media activities in their everyday lives.

In 2020, around 15% of people in the United States listened to a podcast on a weekly basis.

The statistic that around 15% of people in the United States listened to a podcast on a weekly basis in 2020 indicates the popularity and growth of podcast consumption as a form of media entertainment and education. This percentage suggests that a significant portion of the population is engaging with podcasts regularly, reflecting the increasingly widespread adoption of this medium. This statistic highlights the shift in consumer behavior towards on-demand audio content and the expanding influence of podcasts in shaping cultural conversations and information dissemination. The continued rise in podcast listenership signals opportunities for content creators, advertisers, and platforms to leverage this trend and cater to the evolving preferences of audiences in the digital age.

In 2021, 50.1% of time spent on digital media in the US was on mobile applications.

In 2021, the statistic reveals that 50.1% of the total time spent consuming digital media in the United States was on mobile applications, highlighting the significant role mobile devices play in people’s daily digital interactions. This indicates a growing trend towards mobile-centric digital consumption behaviors and emphasizes the increasing importance of mobile applications as a primary platform for accessing various types of content and services. The statistic underscores the need for businesses and content creators to prioritize mobile optimization and develop innovative mobile app strategies to effectively reach and engage with their target audiences in an increasingly mobile-driven environment.

By the end of 2022, there will be over 3 billion global social media users.

The statistic “By the end of 2022, there will be over 3 billion global social media users” indicates that the total number of individuals using social media platforms worldwide is projected to exceed 3 billion by the end of the year 2022. This statistic highlights the widespread and increasing use of social media as a communication and networking tool across the globe. The growing number of social media users signifies the significant impact and influence that social media platforms have on society, economies, and cultures, as well as the increasing reliance on these platforms for various purposes such as information sharing, social interaction, and marketing.

Worldwide digital ad spending is projected to reach 389 billion USD in 2021.

The statistic stating that worldwide digital ad spending is projected to reach 389 billion USD in 2021 represents the anticipated total amount of money that businesses and organizations are expected to invest in online advertising activities globally throughout the year. This significant figure highlights the growing importance and dominance of digital advertising channels in the modern marketing landscape. The projected increase in digital ad spending reflects the shift towards online platforms for reaching target audiences, as businesses continue to recognize the effectiveness and efficiency of digital marketing strategies in reaching and engaging with consumers across various digital channels.

In 2020, 70% of people in the United States read print media on a regular basis.

The statistic stating that 70% of people in the United States read print media on a regular basis in 2020 indicates the percentage of the population that regularly consumes newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. This statistic suggests that print media continues to be a relevant and widely used source of information for the majority of Americans. It reflects the ongoing popularity and influence of traditional print media despite the rise of digital platforms. This information can be valuable for media outlets, advertisers, and marketers to understand the preferences and behaviors of the American population when it comes to consuming news and information.

It is forecasted that, in 2022, 82% of the internet traffic will come from video streaming and downloads.

The statistic indicates that the vast majority of internet traffic, specifically 82% of it, is expected to be driven by video streaming and downloads in the year 2022. This forecast suggests a significant dominance of video content consumption on the internet, highlighting the growing popularity and impact of visual media on online activities. Factors such as increasing access to high-speed internet, the proliferation of digital devices, and the rise of platforms like streaming services are likely contributing to this trend. Marketers, content creators, and internet service providers may need to adapt their strategies and infrastructure to accommodate and capitalize on this predicted shift in internet traffic patterns.

In 2020, eMarketer estimated that the average US adult spent just 3 minutes per day using a smartwatch.

The statistic provided by eMarketer indicates that, on average, an adult in the United States spent only 3 minutes per day using a smartwatch in 2020. This low average usage time suggests that smartwatches may not have been as heavily integrated into daily routines or as widely adopted as other more established devices like smartphones or computers. Factors such as limited functionality, usability issues, or preferences for traditional watches may have contributed to the relatively low usage time. Understanding these usage patterns can be valuable for companies in the wearable technology industry to improve their products and marketing strategies to better meet consumer needs and increase adoption rates.

In 2019, it was found that tweens and teens in the U.S. spend nearly 6 hours consuming media each day.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, tweens and teens in the U.S. spent close to 6 hours per day engaging with various forms of media, such as television, social media, video games, and online videos. This finding highlights the significant amount of time young individuals dedicate to media consumption, which can have implications for their cognitive development, physical health, and overall well-being. It also underscores the pervasive influence of media in today’s society and the need for parents, educators, and policymakers to ensure that youth have a balanced approach to media usage and prioritize activities that promote their holistic growth and development.

2020 research shows that over 50% of all US media revenue was earned digitally.

The statistic that 2020 research shows that over 50% of all US media revenue was earned digitally signifies a significant shift in the media landscape towards digital platforms. This data suggests that more than half of the revenue generated by media companies in the United States came from digital sources such as online advertising, subscriptions, and content streaming services. This trend highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in the media industry and emphasizes the need for traditional media outlets to adapt to the changing consumer behavior towards online content consumption. It also underscores the growing competition among different digital media channels for a share of the revenue, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry as it continues to evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting audience preferences.

Over one billion hours of YouTube videos are watched every single day.

The statistic that over one billion hours of YouTube videos are watched every single day highlights the immense popularity and reach of the platform on a global scale. This staggering figure underscores the widespread use of online video content consumption and the significant impact that YouTube has in today’s digital age. The statistic reflects not only the vast amount of user engagement and viewing habits on the platform but also the diverse range of content being consumed by audiences worldwide. The data point serves as a testament to the power and influence of YouTube as a primary source of entertainment, information, and communication for millions of people daily.

According to eMarketer, US adults spend 25% of their daily time on mobile devices.

The statistic that US adults spend 25% of their daily time on mobile devices, as reported by eMarketer, suggests that mobile devices have become a pivotal part of people’s daily lives. This statistic highlights the prevalence and importance of mobile technology in modern society, indicating that individuals dedicate a significant portion of their time engaging with smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Such behavior underscores the impact of digital technology on various aspects of daily activities, including communication, entertainment, information consumption, and productivity. Additionally, businesses and marketers can leverage this trend to optimize their strategies for reaching and engaging with consumers through mobile platforms.

Conclusion

Understanding media consumption statistics is crucial for businesses and marketers to tailor their strategies effectively and reach their target audience in the digital age. By analyzing trends and patterns in how people consume media, companies can make more informed decisions on where and how to allocate their resources for maximum impact and engagement. Keeping up with the latest statistics and adapting to changing consumer preferences is key to staying competitive in the ever-evolving media landscape.

References

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2. – https://www.nielsen.com

3. – https://www.forbes.com

4. – https://www.mediapost.com

5. – https://www.commonsensemedia.org

6. – https://www.emarketer.com

7. – https://www.youtube.com

8. – https://www.statista.com

9. – https://www.journalism.org