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FEATURE
April 28, 2023
The most-watched genres on traditional television
Sports programming continues to be one of the most-watched genres on traditional television in the US, with sports events dominating the list of the most-watched TV-shows in the 2021/22 season. Live sporting events have the ability to attract some of the highest audiences in the country, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the action. The popularity of sports is not just limited to traditional television networks, as digital live sports content has also become increasingly popular.
In 2021, approximately 57.5 million viewers in the United States watched digital live sports content at least once per month, a number that is projected to rise to over 90 million by 2025. This huge popularity of sports on television has made it one of the most popular and profitable genres in the television and streaming media markets.
The popularity of sports has been on the rise for years, and it's not just limited to traditional television networks anymore. With the advent of digital platforms and advancements in technology, more and more people are turning to live sports content on their mobile devices, laptops, and smart TVs. In this article, we'll explore the statistics that justify this trend and take a closer look at why digital live sports content has become so popular.
According to a report by Conviva, a global leader in streaming video intelligence, the demand for live sports content increased by 43% in 2020. The report also found that viewership of live sports content on streaming platforms increased by 157% compared to 2019. This is a clear indication of the growing popularity of digital live sports content.
Live sports
The rise of digital live sports content can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the convenience of being able to watch live sports on mobile devices and laptops has made it easier for viewers to follow their favourite sports and teams on-the-go. Additionally, the increasing availability of high-quality streaming services has made it easier for sports fans to access live content without having to rely on traditional TV networks.
Another significant factor contributing to the popularity of digital live sports content is the COVID-19 pandemic. With the closure of stadiums and cancellation of live events, many sports fans turned to digital platforms to watch live sports. In fact, a survey conducted by PwC in August 2020 found that 62% of sports fans had watched live sports online since the pandemic began.
The popularity of digital live sports content is not limited to just one or two sports. In fact, it spans across a wide range of sports and events. For instance, during the 2020 UEFA Champions League final, streaming services saw a 68% increase in viewership compared to the previous year. Similarly, the 2020 NBA finals saw a 74% increase in streaming viewership compared to the 2019 finals.
Moreover, the rise of digital live sports content has also led to new players entering the market. One such player is DAZN, a sports streaming service that launched in 2016. DAZN has been able to attract a large audience by offering live sports content at an affordable price. The service has also been able to secure exclusive rights to broadcast major sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League and the NFL.
Digital platform
The popularity of digital live sports content has also had a significant impact on the sports betting industry. In the US, sports betting has been legalized in several states, and the rise of digital live sports content has made it easier for fans to place bets on their favourite teams and players. According to a report by Zion Market Research, the global sports betting market is expected to reach $155.49 billion by 2024, with digital platforms accounting for a significant portion of the market.
Sports fans will agree that the popularity of sports is not just limited to traditional television networks anymore. Digital live sports content has become increasingly popular, with viewership increasing by 157% in 2020 compared to 2019. The rise of digital live sports content can be attributed to several factors, including convenience, availability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The popularity of digital live sports content has also led to new players entering the market, such as DAZN. Additionally, the rise of digital live sports content has had a significant impact on the sports betting industry, with the global sports betting market expected to reach $155.49 billion by 2024. As technology continues to advance, we can expect digital live sports content to become even more popular in the years to come.
