YouTube has achieved a major milestone by surpassing Netflix in average daily viewing time for the first time. According to a report by research firm Digital i, users spent about 99.1 minutes per day watching YouTube in 2025. This is higher than Netflix’s 93.4 minutes per day.
The data comes from analysis across 20 international markets. In 2024, Netflix was ahead with 100.5 minutes compared to YouTube’s 87.2 minutes. But in 2025, YouTube grew strongly while Netflix saw a drop. This narrow lead shows a clear shift in how people consume entertainment worldwide.
Experts say this change reflects people’s love for YouTube’s mix of content. The platform offers short videos, long-form shows, live streams, creator-made videos, and music. Many viewers now watch YouTube on big TV screens instead of just phones, which has increased watching time. Netflix, known for original series and movies, faces tough competition from free and varied options.
This milestone strengthens YouTube’s position as one of the top content platforms globally. It highlights changing habits toward more flexible, user-driven entertainment. As competition grows, both platforms will continue to fight for viewers’ attention in the evolving streaming world.
