Oct. 21, 2024
Korean shows now account for 8.71% of all non-English language content consumption on the platform, with Spanish-language content following closely at 7.11%. This popularity represents an astonishing 8.19 billion viewing hours for Korean content and 6.69 billion hours for Spanish shows, with 3.28 billion hours coming from Spain.
Korean and Spanish content have emerged as the
dominant forces in Netflix’s non-English viewing, capturing a significant share
of global audiences. According to Omdia’s recent analysis, Korean series
account for 8.71% of all non-English language content consumption on the
platform, translating to an impressive 8.19 billion viewing hours.
Spanish-language content follows closely, making up 7.11% of the total, with
6.69 billion hours watched.
This trend highlights the growing global appetite for
diverse storytelling. Korean dramas, known for their high production values and
compelling narratives, have captivated viewers worldwide. Hits like Squid
Game and Extraordinary Attorney Woo have set new benchmarks for
international success. Similarly, Spanish content has gained widespread
popularity, with series such as Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) and the
recent film Society of the Snow (La Sociedad de la Nieve) resonating
with audiences far beyond Spanish-speaking countries.
Netflix’s strategic investments in original
productions from South Korea and Spain have paid off, positioning these
countries as key content hubs. The platform’s ability to cater to diverse
tastes and preferences has not only expanded its global footprint but also set
a precedent for other streaming services aiming to tap into the lucrative
non-English speaking markets.
This surge in non-English content consumption
underscores the shifting dynamics of global entertainment, where language
barriers are increasingly being broken down by the universal appeal of quality
storytelling.