19% of U.S. Households Watch Online TV
Probably one of the most important benchmarks for online video, in my opinion, was the study conducted by TNS and the Conference Board last year that found 16 percent of American Internet households watch TV broadcasts online. That seemed pretty impressive at the time, especially given that it pre-dated the existence of Hulu along with widespread promotion of other network’s streaming offerings. It signaled that there was a real audience for premium entertainment on the PC screen.
Well, perhaps as expected, but certainly as an important milestone, that number is now larger: “Nearly one-fifth” of American Internet households watch TV broadcasts online, according to a release put out by the two firms today. So assuming the number is something on the order of 19 percent, it’s actually not that dramatic of an increase year-on-year. (We’ve asked if they can send over a more precise percentage. The firms do say this year’s figure is double what they measured two years ago.)
In its study of 10,000 households, TNS and the Conference Board found that of those who watch TV online, 43 percent tune into the news, the most popular category. Thirty-nine percent watch drama shows, 34 percent sitcom/comedy shows, 23 percent reality shows, 16 percent sports, and 15 percent user-generated content.
Almost nine out of ten online TV viewers watch online broadcasts at home, while 15 percent watch from their office. Some 68 percent of online TV watchers stream video, while 38 percent utilize free downloads (Meaning illegitimate downloads, I assume. Most places offering authorized downloads, like iTunes, do it for a fee.) The top streaming destinations are official TV sites, with 65 percent of viewers, and YouTube, with 41 percent.
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[...] 19% of U.S. Households Watch Online TV [NewTeeVee] - A new report from The Conference Board shows that 19% of US households watch broadcast TV online: “In its study of 10,000 households, TNS and the Conference Board found that of those who watch TV online, 43 percent tune into the news, the most popular category. Thirty-nine percent watch drama shows, 34 percent sitcom/comedy shows, 23 percent reality shows, 16 percent sports, and 15 percent user-generated content.” [...]
Tama Leaver dot Net » Blog Archive » Annotated Links of Interest: September 5th 2008 on September 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm - Permalink
[...] Newteevee has more stats on the survey if you are curious to see them. [...]
Online T.V. Becoming More Popular | Blog World Expo Blog on September 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm - Permalink
It’s amazing how, despite the proliferation of entertainment content on the web, news continues to be the most popular form of video to watch online. I believe Forrester has found something similar too.
Daisy Whitney on September 5th, 2008 at 9:44 am - Permalink
is it so
thats depresssing
such a small pc screen its no fun
pool tile on September 7th, 2008 at 6:13 am - Permalink
I can only imagine this percentage continuing to increase. I work for an online video platform, PermissionTV. We focus on embracing the webs ability to provide custom user experiences, interactivity and permission based marketing. As more examples show up on the web, it’s my opinion that more viewers will as well.
jbarker on September 8th, 2008 at 6:42 am - Permalink
Im more in the sports category. I watch a lot of the basketball and football games online if im unable to get the game on regular tv.
Online Television on October 17th, 2008 at 8:59 pm - Permalink