WhatsTheBigData

Social Media has become a part of our daily lives as we have become addicted to posting and updating everyone regarding our day-to-day moments through these platforms. Apart from posting, most people also consume these social media platforms for communication, entertainment, shopping, information, etc. Which has resulted in people spending more and more time on social media every day. 

The latest worldwide daily social media usage statistics show that people spend an average of 2 hours and 46 minutes per day on social media, or 19 hours and 18 minutes per week.

TikTok leads in daily social media app usage, with users spending 1 hour and 55 minutes on the platform, while Instagram ranks as the world’s favorite social media platform. This article explores the latest social media usage statistics for 2026, including daily screen time, weekly usage by country, the most popular platforms, and user behavior by age group.

Key Worldwide Daily Social Media Usage Statistics (2026)

• People worldwide spend an average of 2 hours and 46 minutes per day on social media and online video platforms.
• Weekly social media and online video usage reaches 19 hours and 18 minutes worldwide, representing a 3.8% year-over-year increase.
• TikTok ranks first in average daily time spent per active user, with users spending 1 hour and 55 minutes per day on the platform.
• Instagram users spend an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes daily, followed by YouTube at 1 hour and 28 minutes.
• WhatsApp users spend approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes per day on the app, while Facebook users spend 59 minutes.
• Global social media adoption increased from 0.6% in 2000 to 69.9% in 2026, showing significant growth over the past 26 years.
• In 2026, approximately 69.9% of the global population used social media.

How Much Time Do People Spend On Social Media Per Day?

The average daily time spent on social media and online video platforms worldwide is 2 hours and 46 minutes. This number comes from DataReportal’s Digital 2027 Global Overview Report. This amounts to 19 hours and 18 minutes per week, marking a 3.8% increase compared with the previous year.

Particulars	Time Spent
Average daily time spent	2 hours 46 minutes
Average weekly time spent	19 hours 18 minutes
Annual increase in usage	3.8%

Average Daily Time Spent on Social Media Apps

TikTok ranks first among social media platforms for average daily time spent per active user worldwide. According to Similarweb App Intelligence data published in DataReportal’s Digital 2027 Global Overview Report, TikTok users spend an average of 1 hour and 55 minutes per day on the platform. 

Instagram ranks second, with an average daily usage time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, followed by YouTube at 1 hour and 28 minutes. WhatsApp users spend approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes per day on the app, while Facebook users spend 59 minutes. Other platforms, including IMO, LINE, Telegram, and VK, record lower daily usage times.

Social Media Platform	Average Daily Time
TikTok	1 hour 55 minutes
Instagram	1 hour 40 minutes
YouTube	1 hour 28 minutes
WhatsApp	1 hour 4 minutes
Facebook	59 minutes
IMO	54 minutes
LINE	31 minutes
Telegram	26 minutes
VK	24 minutes
X	23 minutes
Messenger	22 minutes
Reddit	21 minutes
Snapchat	20 minutes
Discord	16 minutes
Pinterest	11 minutes

Source:  DataReportal’s Digital

Global Social Media Usage Growth (2000 to 2026)

Social media usage has grown rapidly worldwide over the past two decades. In 2000, only 0.6% of the global population used social media. As internet access expanded and platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp gained popularity, the number of social media users increased steadily.

By 2010, social media adoption had reached 17.2% of the global population. It increased to 30.3% in 2015 and crossed the 50% mark in 2020, when 52.3% of people worldwide were using social media.

Year	Social Media Users (% of Global Population)
2000	0.6%
2001	1.3%
2002	2.2%
2003	3.3%
2004	4.3%
2005	6.1%
2006	7.3%
2007	8.9%
2008	10.2%
2009	12.9%
2010	17.2%
2011	20.3%
2012	23.4%
2013	25.1%
2014	27.5%
2015	30.3%
2016	35.6%
2017	40.7%
2018	44.1%
2019	46.8%
2020	52.3%
2021	57.0%
2022	58.9%
2023	61.1%
2024	66.1%
2025	68.7%
2026	69.9%

Social media usage growth continued in the following years, with global social media adoption reaching 61.1% in 2023 and 66.1% in 2024. By 2026, 69.9% of the world’s population used social media, highlighting the growing role of social networking platforms in everyday communication and online activity.

Average Monthly Social Media Platform Usage by Age Group

Internet users actively use multiple social media platforms each month, but the number varies by age and gender. Younger users tend to use more platforms than older age groups.

According to the data, men aged 16 to 24 actively use an average of 7.61 social media platforms per month, compared with 7.41 among women in the same age group. Users aged 25 to 34 show similar activity, with women using 7.41 platforms and men using 7.48.

Age Group	Female	Male
16 to 24	7.41	7.61
25 to 34	7.41	7.48
35 to 44	6.77	6.81
45 to 54	5.99	6.33
55 to 64	5.37	5.43
65+	3.81	3.46

Monthly social media platform usage declines with age. Among users aged 35 to 44, the average falls to 6.77 platforms for women and 6.81 for men. For those aged 55 to 64, it drops further to 5.37 for women and 5.43 for men. 

Users aged 65 and above use the fewest platforms, averaging 3.81 among women and 3.46 among men. The data shows that younger internet users are active on more social media platforms each month, while platform usage decreases among older age groups.

Average Weekly Social Media Usage by Country in 2026

People spend different amounts of time on social media and online video platforms depending on where they live. According to October 2026 data, the Philippines recorded the highest weekly usage, with people spending an average of 36 hours and 12 minutes on these platforms. 

Ghana ranked second with 32 hours and 11 minutes, followed by Nigeria at 31 hours and 20 minutes. Brazil and South Africa also recorded high usage, at 29 hours and 59 minutes and 28 hours and 39 minutes per week, respectively.

Japan recorded the lowest weekly usage at just 8 hours and 3 minutes, followed by Hong Kong at 11 hours and Czechia at 11 hours and 12 minutes. The worldwide average stood at 19 hours and 18 minutes per week.

Country / Region	Weekly Time Spent
Philippines	36 hours and 12 minutes
Ghana	32 hours and 11 minutes
Nigeria	31 hours and 20 minutes
Brazil	29 hours and 59 minutes
South Africa	28 hours and 39 minutes
Turkey	26 hours and 18 minutes
Kenya	26 hours and 14 minutes
Mexico	25 hours and 51 minutes
Colombia	25 hours and 11 minutes
Argentina	25 hours and 4 minutes
Chile	24 hours and 31 minutes
U.A.E.	24 hours and 1 minute
Egypt	23 hours and 56 minutes
Malaysia	23 hours and 44 minutes
Thailand	23 hours and 35 minutes
Indonesia	22 hours and 52 minutes
New Zealand	22 hours and 9 minutes
Serbia	21 hours and 42 minutes
Morocco	21 hours and 27 minutes
Ireland	21 hours and 25 minutes
U.S.A.	20 hours and 53 minutes
Vietnam	20 hours and 52 minutes
Saudi Arabia	20 hours and 8 minutes
India	19 hours and 19 minutes
Worldwide	19 hours and 18 minutes
Singapore	19 hours and 6 minutes
Greece	18 hours and 28 minutes
Norway	18 hours and 2 minutes
Romania	17 hours and 58 minutes
Bulgaria	17 hours and 54 minutes
Canada	17 hours and 19 minutes
Spain	17 hours and 13 minutes
Sweden	17 hours and 6 minutes
Australia	16 hours and 52 minutes
U.K.	16 hours and 42 minutes
Italy	16 hours and 37 minutes
Israel	16 hours and 35 minutes
Portugal	16 hours and 1 minute
Hungary	15 hours and 33 minutes
Croatia	15 hours and 29 minutes
Netherlands	15 hours and 4 minutes
Taiwan	14 hours and 3 minutes
China	13 hours and 55 minutes
Poland	13 hours and 47 minutes
France	13 hours and 21 minutes
Germany	13 hours and 18 minutes
South Korea	12 hours and 55 minutes
Denmark	12 hours and 52 minutes
Austria	12 hours and 47 minutes
Switzerland	12 hours and 30 minutes
Belgium	12 hours and 21 minutes
Czechia	11 hours and 12 minutes
Hong Kong	11 hours
Japan	8 hours and 3 minutes

Most Popular Social Media Platforms Worldwide by User Preference

According to GWI’s Q2 2026 survey, published in DataReportal’s Digital 2027 Global Overview Report, Instagram was the most popular social media platform worldwide, with 17.8% of active social media users aged 16 and above naming it as their favourite platform.

WhatsApp ranked second, with 17.1% of users choosing it as their preferred platform. Facebook followed with 13.3%, while WeChat secured fourth place with 11.2%. TikTok ranked fifth, with 10% of respondents selecting it as their favourite social media platform.

Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, and TikTok accounted for 69.4% of all favourite-platform responses worldwide. The data shows that these five platforms attract most users’ preferences. WeChat’s global ranking, however, is largely driven by China, which accounted for more than 99% of its votes.

Social Media Platform	Share of Users Selecting It as Their Favourite
Instagram	17.8%
WhatsApp	17.1%
Facebook	13.3%
WeChat	11.2%
TikTok	10.0%
Douyin	7.9%
X	2.7%
Messenger	1.9%
LINE	1.6%
Pinterest	1.5%
Snapchat	1.3%
Telegram	1.3%
Kuaishou	1.1%
Xiaohongshu	1.1%
iMessage	1.0%

Americans spend 31 minutes using Facebook per day 

Facebook is the leading social media platform with the highest number of users. However, it is not the most used platform in the United States. Apparently, in the US YouTube is considered the highest used platform where Americans spend 46 minutes browsing video content daily. Followed by TikTok, and X (Twitter). In the US Facebook is placed fourth in ranking when it comes to the most used social media platform. 

Worldwide Social Media Users 

Year	Social Media User
2027	5.85 billion
2026	5.64 billion
2025	5.42 billion
2024	5.17 billion
2023	4.95 billion
2022	4.59 billion
2021	4.26 billion
2020	3.9 billion
2019	3.51 billion
2018	3.1 billion
2017	2.73 billion

Wrapping Up

Based on the statistics mentioned above it’s clear that people, especially Gen Z and Millennials are spending more time on social media platforms than ever and these numbers are expected to keep on rising in coming years without any decline. Overall, people are spending a large amount of time on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook browsing various user-generated content for entertainment. The massive growth of social media has generated new opportunities for marketers to advertise their products and services among people using social media platforms. 

Mobile Devices are one of the most preferred device types utilized by users across the world to access the internet. Today, internet users can access different types of websites, apps, and other activities using their mobile devices from any part of the world. Users can play games, perform online shopping, transfer money, stream videos, etc using their smartphones by accessing the internet.

In Fact, 58.63% of the website traffic in 2026 is generated through mobile devices. In this article, we are going to take a look at the internet traffic from mobile devices stats 2026, Internet traffic statistics by category, device type, and more. 

Key Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices Stats 2026

• Mobile devices accounted for 58.63% of global internet traffic in Q4 2026.
• Mobile internet traffic reached its highest share of 62.73% in Q2 2025 during the reported period.
• India recorded the highest mobile web traffic share at 77.3% in September 2026, followed by Nigeria at 75.2%.
• The United States recorded a 49.1% mobile web traffic share, while the United Kingdom reached 53.6%.
• Global mobile network data traffic increased by 23% year over year in Q2 2026.
• Monthly global mobile network traffic exceeded 220 exabytes in Q2 2026.
• Mobile broadband internet traffic reached 1.7 zettabytes in 2026.
• Global mobile broadband traffic grew at an average annual rate of 18.2% between 2021 and 2026.
• Android accounted for 69.17% of worldwide mobile web usage in September 2026, compared with 30.81% for iOS.

Global Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices 2026

Mobile devices accounted for 58.63% of global internet traffic in Q4 2026, according to statista. The share increased from 51.29% in Q4 2025, marking a rise of 7.34 percentage points year over year. 

Mobile internet traffic also reached 62.73% in Q2 2025, the highest share in the dataset. Over the longer term, mobile’s contribution to global internet traffic increased from 54.8% in Q1 2021 to 58.63% in Q4 2026, showcasing the continued importance of smartphones and other mobile devices in accessing the internet.

Year	Mobile Internet Traffic
Q4 2026	58.63%
Q3 2026	53.37%
Q2 2026	51.48%
Q1 2026	52.27%
Q4 2025	51.29%
Q3 2025	57.96%
Q2 2025	62.73%
Q1 2025	62.39%
Q4 2024	62.54%
Q3 2024	61.85%
Q2 2024	60.12%
Q1 2024	59.34%
Q4 2023	54.67%
Q3 2023	54.34%
Q2 2023	53.42%
Q1 2023	58.03%
Q4 2022	59.16%
Q3 2022	59.54%
Q2 2022	58.99%
Q1 2022	55.79%
Q4 2021	54.4%
Q3 2021	55.78%
Q2 2021	55.09%
Q1 2021	54.8%
Q4 2020	52.2%
Q3 2020	50.81%
Q2 2020	51.53%
Q1 2020	51.92%

Source: Statista

Mobile Web Traffic Share by Country 2026

India had the highest mobile web traffic share at 77.3% in September 2026, followed by Nigeria at 75.2%. Germany recorded 59.9%, slightly above the global average of 59.0%. The United Kingdom (53.6%), France (53.1%), and China (52.6%) also recorded mobile traffic shares above 50%.

Country	Mobile Web Traffic
India	77.3%
Nigeria	75.2%
Germany	59.9%
Worldwide	59.0%
United Kingdom	53.6%
France	53.1%
China	52.6%
United States	49.1%
Australia	48.6%
Canada	46.4%
Japan	45.8%
Indonesia	43.6%
Brazil	36.6%

Source: StatCounter

In comparison, the United States stood at 49.1%, followed by Australia at 48.6%, Canada at 46.4%, and Japan at 45.8%. Indonesia and Brazil recorded lower shares of 43.6% and 36.6%, respectively. This shows that mobile devices account for a larger share of web traffic in some countries than in others.

Mobile Internet Traffic Growth Statistics in 2026

Global mobile internet traffic continues to grow as more people use smartphones for browsing, video streaming, and other online activities. Rising smartphone subscriptions and higher mobile data consumption are contributing to this growth.

According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, global mobile network data traffic increased by 23% year over year in Q2 2026. Monthly mobile network traffic also exceeded 220 exabytes during the quarter.

The ITU estimated that mobile broadband internet traffic reached 1.7 zettabytes in 2026, compared with more than 1 zettabyte in 2023. Between 2021 and 2026, mobile broadband traffic grew at an average annual rate of 18.2%.

• Global mobile network data traffic grew by 23% year-over-year in Q2 2026.
• Monthly global mobile network traffic exceeded 220 exabytes in Q2 2026.
• Mobile broadband internet traffic reached 1.7 zettabytes in 2026.
• Mobile broadband traffic recorded an average annual growth rate of 18.2% between 2021 and 2026.
• Video accounted for approximately 75% of mobile network traffic at the end of 2025.

Android vs. iOS Mobile Traffic Statistics

Android and iOS dominate mobile web traffic worldwide. Android has the largest global share because it runs on smartphones from numerous manufacturers, while iOS is exclusive to Apple’s iPhone devices.

Businesstats data for September 2026 shows that Android accounted for 69.17% of worldwide mobile web usage, compared with 30.81% for iOS. Together, the two operating systems represented almost all tracked mobile web usage.

Mobile Operating System	Usage Share
Android	69.17%
iOS	30.81%

Source: Businesstats

Smartphone Internet Usage Statistics 2026

Smartphones have become the primary devices for accessing the internet, browsing websites, watching videos, using social media, and shopping online. Mobile internet usage continues to grow as smartphone adoption increases and more people rely on mobile devices for everyday online activities.

7.68 Billion Smartphones Were Active Worldwide in 2026

DataReportal recorded 7.68 billion smartphones in use worldwide in October 2026. These devices made up 89.4% of all mobile phones in use, showing how smartphones account for the majority of mobile devices globally.

5.86 Billion People Used Mobile Phones Globally in 2026

The number of mobile phone users worldwide reached 5.86 billion in October 2026, representing 70.4% of the world’s population. This means more than seven in ten people worldwide used a mobile phone.

4.8 Billion People Accessed the Internet Through Mobile Devices in 2025

GSMA reported that 4.8 billion people accessed the internet through mobile devices by the end of 2025. This represented 59% of the global population, making mobile connectivity an important source of internet access worldwide.

3.4 Billion People Still Had No Access to Mobile Internet in 2025

Around 3.4 billion people were not using mobile internet at the end of 2025. Despite the wider availability of mobile networks, a large share of the global population remained disconnected from mobile internet services.

Mobile Broadband Networks Covered 96% of the Global Population in 2024

GSMA data shows that 96% of the world’s population lived within mobile broadband coverage areas in 2024. However, having network coverage does not guarantee internet access. High data costs, limited digital skills, and a lack of suitable devices can prevent people from using available mobile services.

93.7% of Online Adults Used Smartphones for Internet Access in 2025

GWI’s Q2 2025 survey found that 93.7% of online adults used smartphones for at least some of their internet activities. The figure reflects the widespread use of smartphones for everyday tasks, such as searching for information, checking social media, watching videos, and shopping online.

4.4 Billion People Used Personal Smartphones for Mobile Internet in 2024

According to GSMA, 4.4 billion people worldwide used their own smartphones to access mobile internet in 2024. This accounted for 54% of the global population, highlighting the role of personal smartphone ownership in connecting people to online services.

Mobile Internet Traffic Growth Statistics

Global Mobile Data Traffic Grew by 23% in 2026

Global mobile data traffic increased by 23% between the second quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, according to Ericsson’s June 2026 Mobility Report. Higher mobile internet usage in India and North America contributed to this growth as more people used smartphones to access online content and services.

Monthly Mobile Data Traffic Crossed 220 Exabytes in 2026

Global mobile network data traffic exceeded 220 exabytes (EB) per month in Q2 2026, according to Ericsson. The rise reflects growing internet consumption on smartphones, particularly for video streaming, social media, online browsing, and other data-heavy activities.

Global Mobile Data Traffic Will Reach 328 Exabytes per Month by 2031

Ericsson projects that global mobile data traffic will rise from 146 exabytes per month in 2025 to 328 exabytes per month by 2031. This means monthly mobile data consumption is expected to more than double over six years, driven by increasing smartphone usage, higher data consumption, and wider 5G adoption.

Average Monthly Smartphone Data Usage Reached 22 GB in 2025

Average monthly mobile data consumption per active smartphone reached 22 GB worldwide in 2025, compared with 19 GB in 2024. Ericsson expects this figure to climb to 42 GB per month by 2031 as smartphone users consume more online video, social media content, and other internet services.

5G Accounted for 48% of Global Mobile Data Traffic in 2025

5G networks carried 48% of global mobile data traffic at the end of 2025, up from 34% in 2024, according to Ericsson. The share is expected to reach 85% by 2031 as 5G coverage expands and more people use 5G-compatible smartphones.

Video Made Up 75% of Global Mobile Data Traffic in 2025

Video content accounted for approximately 75% of global mobile data traffic at the end of 2025, making it the largest source of mobile network data consumption. Video streaming services, social media clips, and short-form videos continue to drive demand for mobile data.

Global Mobile Data Traffic Increased by 6% in Q2 2026

Global mobile network data traffic rose by approximately 6% between the first and second quarters of 2026, according to Ericsson. This quarterly increase reflects the continued growth in mobile internet usage and demand for data across global markets.

Distribution of Mobile Users in the US that access the Internet via Mobile Devices 

As of 2024, 86.26% of mobile users in the United States access the internet using their mobile devices. There has been a constant growth in the number of mobile users accessing the internet using mobile devices in the US and this number is expected to keep growing in the future as well. By 2027, the number of mobile users utilizing mobile devices to access the internet is expected to reach 88.24%. 

Year	Mobile Users Access The Internet Through Their Mobile
2018	77.6%
2019	79.64%
2020	81.74%
2021	83.15%
2022	84.37%
2023	85.39%
2024	86.26%
2025	87.01%
2026	87.66%
2027	88.24%

The Highest proportion of mobile internet traffic comes from Sudan 

Globally Sudan has an internet traffic proportion of 83.92% followed by Nigeria – at 81.43% and 

South Africa – 72.59% as the highest mobile internet traffic nation worldwide. While Russia has the lowest proportion with 30.2% of mobile internet traffic since the majority of users prefer to access the internet through their desktop. The second country with the lowest proportion of mobile internet traffic is Portugal with 34.12%, followed by Canada as the third country with the lowest proportion 37.71%. 

92.3% of internet users access the internet via mobile phones of some kind 

Internet users can access the internet using various kinds of devices such as laptops, tablets, etc. But regardless of so many options available, mobile phones are still the number one choice of device by users for accessing the internet. Apparently, 9 in 10 users (92.3%) prefer using a mobile phone of some kind over other devices to access the internet. Meanwhile, 65.6% use a desktop or traditional laptop. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the kind of devices accessed by users to access the internet: 

Device	Share of Users
Mobile phone (any)	92.3%
Smartphone	91%
Laptop or desktop (any)	65.6%
Feature phone	5.2%
Tablet device	27.3%
Work laptop or desktop	28.6%
Connected television	31.9%
Smart home device	15.4%

Internet Traffic Statistics By Category

Today, users are accessing the internet for different types of activities such as entertainment, financial management, work requirements, shopping, e-commerce, and more. Especially with growing technology the use cases are expected to keep on rising.

Based on the latest survey, the most common usage of mobile devices among users is “Gaming” by 68%. Followed by listening to music as the second most common use of mobile phones by 67% and social media by 63%. Here is a table showcasing the top activity data of mobile devices: 

Activity	Share
Gaming	68%
Music	67%
social media	63%
Streaming videos, TV, or film	61%
Paid for something bought online	47%
Bank usage	47%
Shopping products	42%
Booked food delivery	41%
Work-related	38%
Sent money to a friend	35%
Paid for something using Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.	33%
Read a magazine or newspaper	33%
Used a medical or fitness service	25%
Booked a taxi ride	22%
Controlled a smart device	20%
None of the above	3%

Wrapping Up 

Based on the above-mentioned statistics it’s clear that users prefer mobile devices the most when it comes to accessing the internet for various activities online. As of 2026, 58.63% of website traffic comes from Mobile Devices alone.

In Fact, 93.7% of online adults prefer accessing the internet via their smartphones compared to desktops or other devices. In addition, there is also a constant rise in monthly cellular data consumption by users which is expected to keep on growing in coming years. 

Today, Artificial Intelligence is one of the most trending topics around the world. Whether it’s chatbots, voice assistants, financial services, healthcare, or more, AI is everywhere. AI is basically a machine creation that is developed to replicate human behaviour and fulfil human tasks.

In this article, we are going to provide an insightful overview of Artificial Intelligence Statistics, and talk about various key statistics of AI, Integration of AI in startups and enterprises, Global AI Market Size, and much more. So, let’s get started.  

Key AI Statistics 2026

• The global artificial intelligence market is projected to grow from $95.6 billion in 2021 to $1.85 trillion by 2030.
• Global AI spending is expected to reach $2.59 trillion in 2026, up 47% from 2025.
• Worldwide AI spending could reach $3.49 trillion by 2027, according to Gartner.
• AI infrastructure spending is forecast to reach $1.43 trillion in 2026, accounting for more than 45% of global AI spending.
• Global AI software revenue is projected to reach $126 billion in 2025, up from $14.69 billion in 2019.
• Global corporate AI investment reached $581.69 billion in 2025, while private AI investment increased by 127.5%.
• The UAE recorded the highest AI adoption rate at 73.3%, followed by Singapore at 64.3% in Q2 2026.
• AI adoption reached 28.8% in the Global North, compared with 16.2% in the Global South.
• Employment among software developers aged 22 to 25 fell by nearly 20% from 2024, according to Stanford’s 2026 AI Index.
• Around 58% of employees worldwide used AI at work in 2025, while more than 80% of employees in India reported workplace AI use.
• AI increased customer support productivity by 14% to 15% in studies covered by Stanford’s AI Index.

Global Artificial Intelligence Market Size (2021-2030)

The Global Artificial intelligence Market Size was valued at USD 95.60 billion in 2021. It is predicted that the AI market size is expected to witness huge growth in the coming years with the capability of reaching 1,847.58 billion in 2030.

Year	Market Size (in billion U.S Dollars)
2030	1,847,495.6
2029	1,415,054.84
2028	1,068,718.47
2027	795,384.63
2026	582,948.69
2025	420,465.53
2024	298,246.87
2023	207,902.42
2022	142,319.8
2021	95,602.77

By Statista 

Global AI Spending by Market 2026 to 2027

Global AI Spending Is Expected to Reach $2.59 Trillion in 2026

Global artificial intelligence spending is projected to reach $2.59 trillion in 2026, representing a 47% increase from 2025, according to Gartner. Rising demand for AI infrastructure, software, and services is driving this growth.

AI Market	2025	2026	2027
AI Services	436,351	585,527	759,418
AI Cybersecurity	25,920	51,347	85,997
AI Software	282,897	453,209	638,431
AI Models	15,494	32,604	59,161
AI Platforms for Data Science and Machine Learning	21,292	29,928	42,639
AI Application Development Platforms	6,587	8,416	10,922
AI Data	826	3,126	6,480
AI Infrastructure	975,581	1,431,509	1,890,310
Total AI Spending	1,764,947	2,595,667	3,493,358

Source: Gartner

Global AI Spending Could Reach $3.49 Trillion in 2027

The Global AI spending is forecast to increase to $3.49 trillion in 2027, up from $2.59 trillion in 2026. Gartner’s projections highlight the continued growth in spending as businesses expand their AI investments.

AI Infrastructure Will Account for More Than 45% of Global AI Spending

AI infrastructure is expected to account for more than 45% of global AI spending in 2026, according to Gartner. This category includes AI servers, computing chips, networking equipment, and infrastructure services that support AI development and deployment.

AI Infrastructure Spending Is Forecast to Reach $1.43 Trillion in 2026

Global AI infrastructure spending is projected to reach $1.43 trillion in 2026, compared with approximately $975.6 billion in 2025. Gartner estimates reflect growing demand for computing capacity and infrastructure needed to develop and run AI models.

AI Software Spending Is Expected to Reach $453.2 Billion in 2026

Global AI software spending is forecast to reach $453.2 billion in 2026, up from $282.9 billion in 2025. Businesses are increasing spending on AI applications, platforms, and software tools to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations.

Global AI Services Spending Could Reach $585.5 Billion in 2026

AI services spending worldwide is expected to reach $585.5 billion in 2026, increasing from $436.4 billion in 2025, according to Gartner. The growth reflects rising demand for AI consulting, implementation, and other services that help companies adopt AI technologies.

AI Cybersecurity Spending Is Projected to Reach $51.3 Billion in 2026

Global AI cybersecurity spending is forecast to increase to $51.3 billion in 2026, compared with $25.9 billion in 2025. Growing investments reflect demand for AI-based security tools that help businesses detect threats, identify risks, and protect digital systems.

Global Corporate AI Investment Reached $581.69 Billion in 2025

Global corporate AI investment reached $581.69 billion in 2025, according to Stanford University’s AI Index. The figure includes private AI investment and mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the scale of corporate funding in the artificial intelligence sector.

Private AI Investment Grew 127.5% in 2025

Global private investment in artificial intelligence increased by 127.5% in 2025, according to Stanford’s AI Index. The sharp rise reflects growing investor interest in AI companies, technologies, and business opportunities.

AI Adoption by Country Statistics 2026

AI adoption continued to grow worldwide in the second quarter of 2026, with more people using generative AI tools across different countries. However, adoption rates still vary significantly between regions.

Global AI Adoption Reached 18.8% in June 2026

Global generative AI adoption reached 18.8% of the working-age population in June 2026, increasing by around 1% from the first quarter. According to Microsoft, AI usage increased in almost every economy during the second quarter, showing continued growth in global adoption.

UAE AI Adoption Reached 73.3% in Q2 2026

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded the highest generative AI adoption rate globally, with 73.3% of its working-age population using AI in June 2026. The country maintained its leading position, ahead of Singapore and other major AI-adopting economies.

Singapore Recorded a 64.3% AI Adoption Rate in Q2 2026

Singapore ranked second globally, with 64.3% of its working-age population using generative AI in June 2026. The country continued to maintain one of the highest AI adoption rates worldwide, according to Microsoft’s latest data.

South Korea Recorded the Largest Increase in AI Usage

South Korea recorded the largest absolute increase in AI adoption during the second quarter of 2026, with usage rising by 3.5 percentage points. The increase highlights the country’s continued growth in generative AI adoption.

Saudi Arabia Climbed Five Places in Global AI Adoption Rankings

Saudi Arabia recorded the largest improvement in global AI adoption rankings during Q2 2026. The country moved up five places, from 30th to 25th, reflecting its growing use of generative AI tools.

Japan Recorded the Fastest Relative Growth in AI Adoption

Japan recorded the largest relative increase in AI adoption during Q2 2026. Usage increased by 2.2 percentage points, representing roughly 10% growth compared with its Q1 adoption rate of 22.5%.

AI Adoption in the Global North Reached 28.8% in Q2 2026

Generative AI adoption among the working-age population in the Global North reached 28.8% in June 2026. This was significantly higher than the rate recorded in the Global South, showing that the gap in AI usage between the two regions continues to widen.

AI Adoption in the Global South Reached 16.2% in Q2 2026

The Global South recorded a generative AI adoption rate of 16.2% in June 2026, compared with 28.8% in the Global North. The difference highlights the continued gap in AI access and usage between the two regions.

AI Jobs and Employment Statistics 2026

Artificial intelligence is changing the job market as companies use AI tools to recruit employees, manage teams, and automate daily tasks. While AI is creating demand for new skills and job roles, it is also raising concerns about job losses and changes in hiring.

Employment Among Young Software Developers Fell Nearly 20%

Employment among software developers aged 22 to 25 fell by nearly 20% from 2024, according to Stanford’s 2026 AI Index. The decline points to changes in hiring patterns for younger workers in occupations exposed to artificial intelligence.

Employment in AI-Exposed Jobs Declined by More Than 4% in 2026

Employment in jobs exposed to AI, including software development and customer service, declined by more than 4% in 2026, according to Stanford’s AI Economic Indicators. The findings highlight the impact of AI adoption on employment in certain occupations.

58% of Employees Worldwide Used AI at Work in 2025

Around 58% of employees globally used AI at work regularly or occasionally in 2025, according to Stanford’s 2026 AI Index. The figure shows how AI tools are becoming part of everyday workplace activities across different industries.

More Than 80% of Employees in India Used AI at Work

More than 80% of employees in India reported using AI at work in 2025, according to Stanford’s global workplace AI usage findings. This places India among the countries with high workplace AI adoption.

73% of AI Experts Expect AI to Improve Workplace Productivity

Around 73% of AI experts in the United States believe AI will have a positive impact on how people work, compared with just 23% of the general public, according to a Stanford survey. The difference highlights the gap between expert expectations and public opinion about AI’s impact on jobs.

64% of Americans Expect AI to Reduce the Number of Jobs

Around 64% of U.S. adults expect AI to reduce the number of jobs over the next 20 years, according to Stanford’s public opinion research. Only 5% believe AI will create more jobs during the same period.

AI Experts Expect Generative AI to Assist With 18% of U.S. Work Hours by 2030

AI experts estimate that generative AI could assist with 18% of total U.S. work hours by 2030. This is higher than the general public’s estimate of 10%, according to Stanford’s research. The figures reflect different expectations about how much AI could contribute to everyday work.

73% of Cybersecurity Professionals Say AI Has Changed Training Needs

Around 73% of cybersecurity professionals said AI has changed their team’s training requirements in 2026, compared with 51% in 2025, according to the SANS Institute. The increase highlights the growing need for cybersecurity workers to develop new skills as AI tools become more common.

AI Productivity Statistics 2026

Artificial intelligence is helping businesses complete tasks faster, improve employee efficiency, and increase work output. Companies are using AI tools across customer support, software development, and marketing to reduce manual work and speed up daily operations.

AI Increased Customer Support Productivity by 14% to 15%

Research covered in Stanford’s AI Index found that AI increased customer support productivity by 14% to 15%. The gains were particularly noticeable in structured tasks where AI tools helped employees respond to customer queries and complete routine work more efficiently.

AI Improved Software Development Productivity by 26% in Some Studies

Some studies cited in Stanford’s AI Index found that AI tools increased software development productivity by 26%. However, the results varied depending on the type of task, employee experience, and AI tool used.

AI Increased Marketing Output by 50% in Some Studies

Some research included in Stanford’s AI Index found that AI assistance increased marketing output by 50%. AI tools can help marketing teams produce content and complete routine tasks in less time, allowing employees to handle more work.

AI Adoption: Artificial Intelligence Growth

270% Growth in the number of businesses using Artificial intelligence services from 2015 to 2019

The number of businesses implementing AI technologies to enhance their business has grown up to 270% between 2015 to 2019. Surprisingly in 2015, only 10% of organizations have used or planned on adopting AI in the future. By 2019, the figure will witness a growth of 37%. 

4 in 10 organizations or companies are planning on using AI in their businesses 

A survey was conducted by Adobe, in which around 39% of large organizations have stated they are planning on implementing AI technology to improve their services. 

47% of Enterprises have established AI strategies for smartphones

One of the most impactful artificial intelligence statistics from 2018 states that every organization owner needs to be aware. As a part of marketing efforts, 47% of the most sophisticated businesses have implemented AI into their mobile applications, and 84% use a personalized approach.  

Revenue of AI services will increase by 6x in the space of five years 

Artificial intelligence is being highly utilized by companies all around the world. The revenue of AI services is expected to witness growth each year and is expected to reach $126 billion annual revenue by 2025.

Organizations with 100,000 employees have a higher chance of utilizing AI in their business approach 

According to a few AI statistics published by the MIT Sloan Management Review, three-quarters of executives believe that the implementation of AI can be beneficial for the growth of the company. Many also believe adding AI technology can help provide a competitive edge to the organization.

The Total number of AI startups has witnessed an increase of up to 14 times

Implementation of AI in various startups and enterprises has created a huge momentum in the last few years. According to Forbes data, 14 times more AI companies have been launched in the last two decades. While the investments in AI startups have increased overall by six times.

The wearable Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is expected to witness a huge rise and reach $180 billion by 2025 

According to Global market insights, the wearable AI market will witness a robust growth rate due to rising consumer focus on fitness and health monitoring. The success of popular wearable products such as Apple Watch and Fitbits plays a huge role in boosting the demand for wearable AI tools in the market.

AI technology is likely to enhance revenue by more than $15 trillion by the next decade 

Few estimates have suggested that AI technology is likely to generate around $15.7 trillion in revenue by 2030. AI can transform the productivity and GDP potential of the global economy. The GDP of local economies is expected to witness a boost by an extra 26%.

AI’s Impact on The Retail Industry

By 2028, the Global AI in the Retail Market is expected to be valued at around $31.18 billion

Artificial Intelligence in the Retail market was valued at $4.84 billion in 2021. The impact of AI in Retail is expected to increase by a CAGR of 30.5% between 2021 to 2028 and value around $31.18 billion by 2028.

73% of Retailers had planned to integrate AI to determine its pricing in 2021

AI in retail statistics has shown that around 3/4 of retailers are likely to utilize Artificial intelligence technology to optimize their prices. Without AI, it is difficult for sellers to understand when to increase costs. 

Voice Search and Artificial Intelligence Statistics 

Around 97% of smartphone users are utilizing voice assistants which are powered by Artificial Intelligence technology.

Voice assistants are huge in smartphones as they help complete users’ tasks using simple voice commands and enhance users’ overall experience. According to a study by IDAP, there is only 2% of iPhone users and 4% of Android owners have never utilized voice assistants whether it be Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant. 

More than 4 billion devices already work on AI-powered voice assistants

Over 4 Billion devices have been utilized on AI-powered voice assistant 

In 2020, around 4.2 billion voice assistants were being utilized in various devices globally allowing users to fulfill their tasks by providing simple voice commands. While the forecast suggests that by 2024, digital voice assistants will witness a huge rise and will reach around 8.4 billion units.

Nearly Half of the American population have utilized digital voice assistant

According to Pew Research conducted in 2017, a total of 46% of Americans are utilizing the benefits of Digital assistants to engage with their smartphones.

41% of adults use voice search at least once every day

Voice search technology has witnessed excellent growth over the years. According to current statistics around 41% of adults utilize voice search at least once a day. It is also estimated that in 2020, half of smartphone users utilized voice assistants on their devices.

AI Replacing Jobs and Employment 

AI Replacing Jobs Stats shows AI is likely to replace 30% of the human workforce by 2030 globally

Various experts have predicted that the adoption of automation in companies has a chance of resulting in job losses in the future. The labor force in 2030 is likely to be reduced by 1/4 compared to 2017. 

By 2030 around 375 million individuals will have switched careers 

Based on AI technology statistics, Robotics is likely to replace more than 800 million jobs globally, impacting around 30% of occupations extinct. With such a drastic shift around 400 million individuals are expected to change or switch to new careers by 2030. 

Wrapping Up 

There is clearly no doubt that the Artificial Intelligence market contains a successful and bright future with high market value. Today, AI plays a crucial part in both the present and future with numerous industries implementing AI technology such as Retail Industry, Manufacturing, Voice Assistant, Navigation, and much more.

With time, more and more businesses are likely to integrate AI into the companies which can help perform various tasks with improved accuracy, efficiency, and productivity. 

Beyond market growth, AI’s expansion is also reshaping classrooms, customer data practices, and digital security — areas where adoption is moving fast but raising new questions. Schools and universities are seeing rising concerns around students using AI to complete assignments, while educators are tracking how AI tools are changing learning outcomes. At the same time, enterprises face growing risks from AI-driven cyber attacks targeting infrastructure and increasing scrutiny over how AI systems handle personal user data

For detailed insights into the growing field of conversational AI, take a look at our article on Chatbot Statistics.

The OTT (Over-the-Top) industry is experiencing rapid growth in 2026, transforming the way people watch movies, shows, and live content. With streaming now part of daily life, the global OTT market is expected to cross $503.29 billion in revenue this year.

Viewers are spending more time on smartphones, smart TVs, and connected devices, while platforms continue to expand through subscriptions, ads, and new content formats. In this article we are going to take a look at 49 OTT Global statistics, trends, and facts showcasing how OTT is changing and transforming entertainment and consumer behavior worldwide.

Global OTT Market Size

• The global OTT market is projected to generate approximately $503.39 billion in revenue in 2026, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) ranging from 6.5% to over 22%, depending on the forecast period.
• OTT video advertising is projected to generate approximately $635.16 billion in revenue in 2027, with further growth expected through 2029.
• Among OTT services, Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) generates the most revenue, at over $119 billion. Ad-supported Video on Demand (AVOD) accounts for approximately 60% of total revenue, while Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) contributes around 6%.

OTT User Base and Consumption

The global OTT user base has been steadily growing over the past decade, rising from 4.11 billion in 2020 to an estimated 5.76 billion in 2026. This upward trend is expected to continue, reaching approximately 6.33 billion users by 2029, reflecting the increasing adoption of digital streaming services by consumers and the growing popularity of on-demand content worldwide.

Year	Number of OTT Users
2020	4.11 billion
2021	4.51 billion
2022	4.54 billion
2023	4.95 billion
2024	5.27 billion
2025	5.54 billion
2026	5.76 billion
2027	6.0 billion
2028	6.14 billion
2029	6.33 billion

OTT Users By Age Group 

OTT platforms are most popular among younger audiences, with the 18 to 24 age group accounting for 42.7% of users. Users aged 25 to 29 make up 18.4%, while those aged 30 to 36 years old represent 11.5%. Teenagers 17 and under contribute 15% of the user base. Adoption declines in older age groups, with 6% of users aged 37 to 45 and only 2.1% aged 45 to 54. 

Age Group	Number of OTT Users
17 and younger	15%
18 to 24 years	42.7%
25 to 29 years	18.4%
30 to 36 years	11.5%
37 to 45 years	6%
45 to 54 years	2.1%

OTT Regional Insights

• North America is the largest OTT market, contributing ~40% of global revenue. The U.S. alone is projected to generate US$71 billion in 2025, with forecasts exceeding US$146 billion by 2030.
• India is one of the fastest-growing markets, with 600+ million users and a 10% annual growth rate. Connected TV adoption has surged to 129 million users (up 87% YoY), while paid subscriptions have reached 148 million.
• In market leadership, Disney+ Hotstar dominates India, whereas Netflix, with ~282 million paid subscribers worldwide, remains the global leader.

OTT User Statistics

• Nearly 98% of Americans subscribe to at least one streaming service, and 75% use two or more.
• Users spend an average of 17 hours per week on OTT platforms, which equals ~70 minutes per day. On mobile apps alone, viewing time reaches 38 hours per month, nearly a full workweek.
• Over 70% of users regularly binge-watch content. About 35% stream multiple times a day, and 75% access OTT at least three times per week. Typical sessions last 20–60 minutes.
• 86% of users plan to keep or expand their subscriptions. Of these, 61% will maintain current plans, 25% intend to add another service, while only 14% consider reducing subscriptions.
• On-demand OTT audiences grew by 45% YoY in Q1 2021, reflecting a lasting shift in viewing behavior.

OTT Video Global Penetration Rate

The global OTT penetration rate has shown significant growth over the past decade, increasing from 48.28% in 2019 to an estimated 73.2% in 2026. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, reaching approximately 78.62% by 2029, indicating that a growing majority of the global population will have access to or use OTT services.

Year	OTT Penetration Rate
2019	48.28%
2020	54.83%
2021	59.63%
2022	59.67%
2023	64.54%
2024	68.07%
2025	70.92%
2026	73.2%
2027	75.08%
2028	76.86%
2029	78.62%

OTT Revenue Statistics

The OTT market has experienced remarkable growth, accelerated by increased adoption during the pandemic as users turned to digital platforms for video content. Financially, the sector has expanded from $6.1 billion in 2010 to $83.34 billion in 2019, and further to $162 billion in 2023. Looking ahead, global OTT revenue is projected to reach approximately $215 billion by 2029, reflecting sustained growth and the increasing monetization of streaming services worldwide. 

Year	OTT Revenue
2010	$6.1 billion
2019	$83.34 billion
2021	$135.1 billion
2022	$154 billion
2023	$162 billion
2029	$215 billion

OTT TV And Video Revenue In United States

The United States OTT TV and video market continues to show steady growth, with total revenue reaching $73.6 billion in 2023. Of this, SVOD services contributed $52.5 billion, AVOD generated $15.6 billion, and other revenue sources accounted for $5.5 billion. In 2024, total revenue is expected to rise to $76.6 billion, supported by growth in AVOD to $17.5 billion and a slight increase in SVOD to $53.5 billion. 

By 2029, total OTT revenue in the U.S. is projected to reach $79.9 billion, with SVOD at $54.6 billion, AVOD at $21.6 billion, and other segments contributing $3.7 billion, highlighting the continuing dominance of subscription services alongside the rising importance of ad-supported models.

Year	Total Revenue	SVOD Revenue	AVOD Revenue	Other
2023	$73.6 billion	$52.5 billion	$15.6 billion	$5.5 billion
2024	$76.6 billion	$53.5 billion	$17.5 billion	$5.6 billion
2029	$79.9 billion	$54.6 billion	$21.6 billion	$3.7 billion

Top OTT Platforms by Subscribers

Netflix leads the global OTT market with over 301 million subscribers, followed by Amazon Prime with 200 million and Disney+ at 127.8 million. Other major platforms include HBO (125.7 million), Tencent Video (117 million), and iQIYI (101.1 million), reflecting strong user bases in both Western and Asian markets.

OTT Platform	Subscribers
Netflix	301,630,000
Amazon Prime	200,000,000
Disney+	127,800,000
HBO	125,700,000
Tencent Video	117,000,000
iQIYI	101,100,000
Paramount+	77,700,000
Hulu	55,500,000
Peacock	41,000,000
Hotstar	35,900,000
SonyLiv	33,300,000
Apple	30,000,000
CuriosityStream	25,000,000
ESPN	24,100,000
DAZN	20,000,000

Subscription numbers decline for platforms like Paramount+ (77.7 million), Hulu (55.5 million), Peacock (41 million), and Hotstar (35.9 million), while niche and specialized services such as SonyLiv (33.3 million), Apple TV+ (30 million), CuriosityStream (25 million), ESPN (24.1 million), and DAZN (20 million) serve smaller but dedicated audiences.

OTT Video Market Revenue to Reach $539 Billion by 2031

The global OTT Video market is projected to generate US$366.68 billion in revenue in 2026, according to market estimates. According to Statista, Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.02% from 2026 to 2031, reaching US$539.17 billion by the end of the forecast period.

• OTT Video Advertising Revenue: OTT Video Advertising is expected to remain the largest market segment, generating US$250.44 billion in revenue in 2026.
• United States OTT Video Market: The United States is projected to lead global OTT Video revenue, accounting for US$159.84 billion in 2026.
• OTT Video Market Users: The global OTT Video market is expected to reach 5.26 billion users by 2031.
• OTT Video User Penetration: User penetration is projected to increase from 55.03% in 2026 to 64.28% by 2031.
• OTT Video ARPU: The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the OTT Video market is estimated at US$84.61 in 2026.

Consumer Spending on OTT Worldwide

Consumer spending on OTT services has grown significantly over the past decade, rising from $27.68 billion in 2017 to a peak of $73.43 billion in 2021 during the pandemic-driven surge. Although spending dipped to $65.47 billion in 2023, forecasts indicate a strong recovery, with global consumer spending projected to climb to $120.46 billion by 2027. 

This steady upward trend underscores the increasing value consumers place on digital streaming platforms, fueled by expanding content libraries, wider accessibility, and the global shift toward on-demand entertainment.

Year	Consumer Spending on OTT
2017	$27.68 billion
2018	$34.61 billion
2019	$43.14 billion
2020	$57.74 billion
2021	$73.43 billion
2022	$80.83 billion
2023	$65.47 billion
2024	$78.11 billion
2025	$92.64 billion
2026	$106.81 billion
2027	$120.46 billion

OTT Trends & Technology Statistics 2026

• More than 240 million Americans are expected to watch subscription OTT video in 2026. The number of subscription streaming viewers is projected to exceed traditional pay-TV audiences by 78.9 million. 
• More than 60% of the U.S. population is expected to use FAST services or ad-supported subscription streaming platforms in 2026. Around 80.4% of subscription OTT viewers are expected to have at least one ad-supported subscription, compared with 71.5% in 2024.
• U.S. OTT advertising revenue is expected to exceed US$15 billion in 2026, as streaming platforms expand their advertising-supported plans. Hulu generated US$4.69 billion in advertising revenue in 2025, up 7% year over year, while Amazon Prime Video generated US$3.04 billion.
• Streaming accounted for 49% of total U.S. television viewing time in July 2026, compared with 19.5% for broadcast TV and 18.7% for cable TV. 
• Ad-supported streaming subscriptions in the U.S. reached 110 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from nearly 100 million a year earlier and 53 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• Advertising-supported television accounted for 73% of total U.S. TV viewing in Q1 2026. Streaming represented a record 46.6% of ad-supported television viewing, strengthening its position as an important channel for advertisers.
• U.S. adults are expected to spend more than two hours per day watching subscription and ad-supported streaming services in 2026.

OTT Live Streaming Statistics 2026

• Live streaming makes up ~25% of all OTT viewing time in 2025, up from 17% in 2022. Total live OTT viewers are projected to exceed 1.6 billion worldwide this year.
• Sports contribute ~37% of live OTT consumption. ESPN+ has surpassed 25M subscribers, while DAZN serves ~20M subscribers across 200+ countries. Global sports streaming revenue is projected at US$18B in 2025, growing at ~20% CAGR through 2030.
• E-sports live streaming has grown at 35% YoY, now attracting over 300M monthly viewers. Asia-Pacific leads with 55% of the global e-sports audience, followed by North America at 17%. The global e-sports market is valued at $4.3B in 2025.
• Platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live integrate with OTT apps, extending potential reach to 2.5B+ active users. TikTok Live alone hosts ~50M daily active stream viewers, many under age 30.
• 20% of live OTT streams are available in 4K/8K in 2025, up from 7% in 2020. By region, North America leads with 28% of streams in UHD, while Asia-Pacific follows at 22%. The rollout of 5G and rising smart TV penetration (now ~38% of global OTT devices) drive this trend.
• Live chat, polls, and multi-camera features are used by 65% of viewers during live streams. Platforms offering interactivity report 30% higher watch-time and 25% lower churn rates.

OTT TV Apps Statistics 2026

• OTT apps are expected to be installed on 80% of smart TVs worldwide in 2025, making them a primary gateway for streaming content.
• Netflix’s TV app remains the leader with 1B+ global installations, the highest among all OTT platforms.
• The Asia-Pacific OTT TV and movie market is set to grow by 90% in 2024, reaching US$54 billion in revenue by 2026.
• Engagement on OTT TV apps has risen by 30%, supported by better UI/UX design and AI-driven recommendations.
• In the U.S., 26% of monthly OTT TV app viewers primarily tune in for breaking news content.
• Around 50% of OTT TV app users now rely on voice search for content discovery, enabled by smart TV assistants.
• Live TV apps such as Hulu Live and YouTube TV have seen a 40% increase in usage, driven by sports and real-time event streaming.
• Global Pay TV subscriptions are projected to exceed 1 billion by 2026.
• Around 66% of users access their SVOD services through Pay TV set-top boxes, highlighting the integration of OTT and Pay TV.
• In the U.S., 54% of Connected TV viewers fall within the 18 to 34 age group, making young adults the dominant audience segment.

OTT Device Usage & Consumer Preferences Statistics 2026

• Over 70% of OTT content is consumed on smartphones, making them the leading streaming device globally.
• The revenue from live video streaming is projected to reach $184.27 billion by 2027.
• 60% of households in the U.S. and Europe now rely on smart TVs for OTT streaming, up from 45% in 2022.
• About 80% of viewers use multiple devices switching between smartphones, tablets, and TVs for seamless streaming.
• Millennials are the largest audience for live content, with 63% of them watching live. Most prefer viewing on a smartphone (56%) or tablet (44%).
• With 5G rollout, 4K/8K streaming is becoming mainstream, reducing buffering times by up to 80% in urban regions.
• About 34% of Generation Z have developed an interest in live streaming, especially on social media platforms.
• In South America, 85.12% of smartphones run on Android, while only 14.46% operate on iOS, highlighting Android’s clear dominance in the region.
• In 2021, viewers spent a combined 548 billion hours streaming content on mobile devices, underscoring the dominance of mobile in OTT consumption.
• Between 2021 and 2022, the online learning industry experienced a significant 120% growth in live streaming sessions.
• Live streaming accounts for 23% of total global viewing time.
• Twitch is currently the largest live streaming platform globally, with over 9.3 billion hours of live social video watched in 2019, holding a 73% market share.

Wrapping Up

The OTT industry in 2026 reflects a massive shift in global entertainment consumption. The industry is set to generate over $343 billion in revenue with more than 5.5 billion users worldwide and a 71% penetration rate. Young audiences remain the biggest drivers of growth, while smartphones and smart TVs lead content consumption. With steady expansion in subscriptions, ads, and live streaming, OTT platforms are shaping the future of how people watch and engage with content.