There are many streaming platforms offering a wide range of options, although none can yet match veteran Netflix, even in terms of the number of paying subscribers. However, an unexpected competitor is emerging. Its name? YouTube.
Youtube, the leading US streaming service in February 2025££££
According to a recent study by the Nielsen Institute, in February in the United States, YouTube monopolized 11.6% of the time spent in front of the television, the largest market share of [abc]streaming[/abc] platforms, even surpassing Netflix. Is turning to YouTube about to become the number one reflex when we turn on the television, rather than settling on a "traditional TV" channel? A hypothesis that is proving increasingly plausible for several reasons, starting with the fact that the public is increasingly watching Google's platform on TV, where previously mobile or PC were preferred. A situation to be compared to another Nielsen study relayed in our columns: YouTube could overtake Disney this year.
Youtube, user-created content££££
In addition, YouTube offers a selection of content increasingly suited to long viewings, such as documentaries, product reviews and live broadcasts. YouTube is free (basically) and most people use it as an almost exclusive source of entertainment and even news. Finally, the platform's growth is almost infinite since it has very little to invest in its content compared to its competitors who must constantly produce films, series and shows: it is its users themselves who create content and they often do it very well, even better than some programs found on traditional linear television.
