YouTube’s CEO says viewing the platform on TV has now surpassed mobile and has become the primary device for YouTube viewing in the United States.
In a blog post to mark its 20th anniversary, Neal Mohan quoted Nielsen figures that show YouTube as the leading streaming service for the past two years.
“The “new” television doesn’t look like the “old” television. It’s interactive and includes things like Shorts (yes, people watch them on TVs), podcasts, and live streams, right alongside the sports, sitcoms and talk shows people already love.”
Mohan added that YouTube was able to provide a second screen experience that let’s you use your phone to interact with the video you’re watching on TV. “We’re also experimenting with a new feature called Watch With, which enables creators to provide live commentary and real time reactions to games and events. We began testing this feature last year with the NFL and will experiment with other sports and types of content this year.”
YouTube is also finding success with new advertising formats on connected TVs, such as QR codes and pause ads. Subscription services are also finding favour; YouTube TV has more than 8 million subscribers and YouTube Music & Premium has more than 100 million subscribers (including trials).
Mohan also shared some recent US data where in the run up to the presidential election, 55 million viewed Joe Rogan’s interview with President Trump and another 45 million watched content related to the election on YouTube on Election Day itself.
