April 28, 2023

Binge-viewing - its statistics & facts

Binge-viewing no longer occurs only when consumers are invested in a certain show or have more time to relax with their favourite content. Partially fuelled by consumers' love of SVoD (and the ways such services release new shows and movies), binge-viewing has accelerated to the point where watching multiple episodes of television shows or film series in one sitting has become the norm for many. Whilst watching traditional television remains the most popular media activity, platforms like Netfli

With the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, binge-viewing has become an increasingly popular way for people to consume television content. In this article, we'll explore the statistics and facts surrounding binge-viewing.

According to a survey conducted by the streaming service Netflix, binge-viewing is now the norm. The survey found that 61% of users regularly binge-watch their favourite shows, with 73% of respondents saying that they feel positive about binge-watching. The survey also found that binge-watching is a social activity, with 51% of respondents saying that they prefer to watch shows with friends or family.

SVoD encourages binge-viewing

The popularity of binge-watching is reflected in the viewing habits of Netflix users. In 2017, Netflix reported that its subscribers streamed over 140 million hours of content per day. This equates to over 1 billion hours of content per week. Netflix has also reported that the most popular day for binge-watching is Sunday, with viewers starting their binge sessions at around 3 PM.

Binge-watching is not just limited to Netflix users. A survey conducted by Deloitte found that 73% of US consumers reported binge-watching content, with 90% of millennials and 87% of Gen Z reporting binge-watching. The survey also found that the average binge session lasts for three episodes, with viewers typically watching content on their smartphones.

The rise of binge-watching has led to changes in the way that television content is produced and distributed. Streaming platforms such as Netflix have popularized the concept of releasing entire seasons of shows at once, rather than airing episodes on a weekly basis. This allows viewers to consume content at their own pace and has led to the creation of shows that are specifically designed for binge-watching.

One of the most notable examples of a show designed for binge-watching is the Netflix original series "Stranger Things". The show's creators have stated that they intentionally designed the show to be binge-watched, with cliff-hangers at the end of each episode and a plot that encourages viewers to watch the entire season in one sitting. The show has been a massive success for Netflix, with over 64 million households watching the third season within the first four weeks of its release.

The effects of binge-viewing

Binge-watching has also had an impact on the way that television content is marketed. Streaming platforms such as Netflix have been able to generate buzz and anticipation for new releases by releasing trailers and teasers in advance of a show's release. The marketing strategy for shows such as "Stranger Things" has been focused on creating a sense of event around the release of a new season, with fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to binge-watch the entire season in one sitting.

While binge-watching has become a popular way for people to consume television content, it has also raised concerns about the impact that it may have on mental health. A study conducted by the University of Texas found that binge-watching can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and fatigue. The study also found that binge-watching can lead to poor sleep quality, which can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing.

Despite these concerns, binge-watching remains a popular way for people to consume television content. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu have capitalized on this trend by creating shows that are specifically designed for binge-watching. With the rise of streaming platforms and the popularity of binge-watching showing no signs of slowing down, we can expect to see further changes and innovations in the way that television content is produced and distributed in the years to come.

Although the act of binge-viewing shows does not carry the same connotations as binge-buying, eating, or drinking, like any form of over-consumption the habit is not without its detrimental effects. Close to 90 percent of men and women in the United States have reported sleep loss due to binge-watching content on streaming services, and many adults also said that they had stayed awake all night multiple times in the last year to do so. The question of whether SVoD services should allow their customers to binge-watch has been raised several times in the media, but with consumers now accustomed to watching whatever they want, whenever they want, binge-viewing is here to stay.

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