Kristina Roberts
For the first time ever, more people in the United States are watching streaming services than traditional broadcast and cable TV. This big shift happened in May 2025, according to a report by Nielsen, a company that tracks TV viewership. Streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and other on-demand services made up 44.8% of all TV usage, while regular broadcast TV accounted for 20% and cable TV for 24%. This change shows how people’s watching habits are moving away from scheduled TV programs to shows and movies they can watch anytime they want.
YouTube was the most popular streaming service, making up 12.5% of all TV viewing in May. Other free streaming services with ads, such as PlutoTV, Roku Channel, and Tubi, also grew in popularity, together grabbing 5.7% of TV viewership. Netflix, one of the biggest names in streaming, has been a major part of this change, along with many other platforms that let people watch their favorite shows without waiting for a specific time.
The rise of streaming has been happening for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic gave it a big push. When people were stuck at home, they turned to streaming services for entertainment, and many never went back to traditional TV. Now, viewers prefer choosing what to watch and when to watch it instead of following a fixed TV schedule. This shift is changing the way TV networks, advertisers, and content creators work, as more focus moves to online platforms.
Broadcast and cable TV are still around, but their share of viewers keeps shrinking. In May, broadcast TV had 20% of viewership, and cable had 24%, which is much lower than in past years. Many cable networks and local TV stations are now trying to adapt by offering their own streaming options, but they are struggling to keep up with big streaming companies that have huge libraries of shows and movies.
The growth of streaming is also affecting how advertisers spend their money. Since more people are watching streaming services, companies are putting more ads on platforms like YouTube, Hulu, and free streaming apps instead of traditional TV commercials. This trend is likely to continue as streaming becomes even more popular in the coming years.
Another reason for streaming’s success is the variety of content available. Unlike traditional TV, which has limited time slots, streaming services can offer thousands of shows, movies, and even live events. Viewers can watch anything from old classics to brand-new series whenever they want, without waiting for reruns or specific air times. This convenience is one of the biggest reasons people are switching to streaming.
Experts believe this is just the beginning of a bigger change in entertainment. As internet speeds get faster and more people get access to smart TVs and streaming devices, the gap between streaming and traditional TV will only grow wider. Some even predict that cable and broadcast TV may never recover their old dominance, as younger generations especially prefer streaming over scheduled programming.
For now, streaming has officially taken the lead in the US, marking a major milestone in television history. The way people watch TV is changing fast, and the companies that adapt quickly will be the ones that succeed in this new era of entertainment. Whether it’s through paid subscriptions or free ad-supported services, streaming is now the king of TV viewing, and its reign is just getting started.
The future of TV is here, and it’s clear that streaming is leading the way. With more choices, flexibility, and convenience, it’s no surprise that millions of Americans are making the switch. Traditional TV isn’t disappearing overnight, but its role is shrinking as streaming continues to grow. For anyone who loves movies, shows, or even live sports, the message is clear: the age of streaming has arrived, and it’s here to stay.
As technology keeps improving, we can expect even more changes in how we watch TV. From better recommendations to more interactive features, streaming services are always finding new ways to keep viewers hooked. The battle for our attention is fierce, with every big company trying to offer the best content at the best price. But one thing is certain—streaming has changed TV forever, and there’s no going back.
