While YouTube has been in our lives for more than 20 years, the way we consume what’s shared there has changed. In 2024, it changed significantly, as CEO Neil Mohan detailed in his annual letter.
In previous years, YouTube was consumed primarily on computers or mobile devices. But Mohan noted that in 2024, that was no longer the case for Americans. Last year, Americans viewed YouTube on television more than any other medium.
“And people aren’t just watching YouTube on their computers or phones,” Mohan said. “TV has surpassed mobile and is now the primary device for YouTube viewing in the U.S. (by watch time), and according to Nielsen, YouTube has been #1 in streaming watch time in the U.S. for two years.”
Mohan additionally detailed the number of historic events we see on YouTube. That includes — but is not limited to — big sporting events.
“This was clear in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election as Americans came to YouTube for election-related content from a broad range of sources, including Joe Rogan’s interview with President Trump, which garnered 55 million views (and counting) and primetime comedy sketches on Saturday Night Live,” he said. “On election day alone, over 45 million viewers across the U.S. watched content related to the election on YouTube. Some even called it ‘the YouTube election,’ echoing a similar sentiment to the 2008 ‘YouTube Debates.’ From elections to the Olympics to Coachella to the Super Bowl and the Cricket World Cup, the world’s biggest moments play out on YouTube.”
Beyond just the success of YouTube.com, Mohan also touted the continued growth of YouTube’s subscription services.
“Our subscription services are seeing a lot of momentum, too,” he said. “YouTube TV has more than 8 million subscribers, and YouTube Music & Premium has more than 100 million subscribers (including trials). We’ll continue to improve fan-favorite YouTube TV features, like Key Plays and multiview, and bring new benefits to YouTube Premium subscribers.”
Feb. 14 will mark the 20th anniversary of YouTube, which was officially founded on Valentine’s Day, 2005.
