Seven in ten UK adults (70%) watch broadcast TV content at least weekly, making it the most commonly used media format, according to a YouGov survey. Social media (67%) and streaming platforms (64%) follow closely behind.
According to the report, TV viewing increases from 49% among 18- to 24-year-olds to 81% among adults aged 55 and over, while social media usage falls from 86% to 52% across the same age groups.
The report found that the BBC is the most-used individual media platform, with 62% of UK adults who consume media consuming it weekly, followed by Netflix at 55%, books (46%), ITV (43%), and Instagram (43%).
The BBC's audience skews older, including 77% of over-55s, but only 41% of those aged 18 to 34 who watch at least once a week. ITV and Channel 4 show similar age patterns. Netflix usage is reportedly highest among 35- to 44-year-olds (65%) and 45- to 54-year-olds (63%).
Social and music platforms attract younger audiences. Overall, seven in ten 18- to 24-year-olds use Instagram at least weekly (70%), half use TikTok (50%), and two-thirds use Spotify (67%). The research also revealed that women are more likely than men to use Instagram (49% vs. 38%), while men are more likely to use X (23% vs. 13%).
Streaming services’ broad appeal across age groups creates peaks among 25- to 34-year-olds (74%), while gaming is concentrated among younger audiences, with around 45% of those aged between 25- and 34-years-old gaming weekly, compared with 21% of over-55s.
Print media remains strongest among older adults, reaching 53% of over-55s versus 31% of 18- to 24-year-olds.
Around seven in ten media consumers (70%) spend between one and four hours per day consuming media, including 29% who spend two to three hours. A further 19% spend more than four hours daily.
More than half of media consumers (57%) say their ability to focus or pay attention has remained unchanged over the past year. However, 29% report some degree of decline, compared with 9% who say their ability has improved.
YouGov recently published data shedding light on how frequently users of four major streaming platforms – Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Apple TV+ – tune in. Discover more here.
Netflix uses GenAI on 300 titles in 2026
Netflix has revealed that nearly 300 titles on its platform have used generative AI, from early concept stages and pre-visualisation through to post-production and release.
Poppy Dixon appointed BBC Head of Documentaries
The BBC has appointed former Sky executive Poppy Dixon as its Head of Documentaries.
Virgin Media launches AI robots to monitor TV network in real-time
Virgin Media has created its own AI robots to monitor its television network quality in real-time in a bid to quickly identify and resolve any issues when they occur.
US government seizes over 1,000 websites streaming FIFA World Cup
Global anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has applauded the US government’s seizure of over 1000 illegal websites streaming the FIFA World Cup over the past month.
Channel 4 names Simon Rexworthy as Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer
Simon Rexworthy has been named Channel 4’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer. He will report to Chief Executive Priya Dogra and join the broadcaster’s executive committee.
