Online video is gaining in popularity around the world and between people of every age. Movies are the favourite type of online content by olders while youngers prefer TV shows.

Viewers are watching more and more online videos. The “State of Online Video 2018” research by Limelight Networks highlights the latest findings in an ongoing series of consumer surveys about online viewing habits based on responses from consumers in France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United State. In 2018, the average weekly viewing time increased to 6 hours, 45 minutes (in 2016 it was 4 hours, 28 minutes). Viewers in the Philippines watch the most online video than in any other country: each week 8 hours, 46 minutes. In the other hand, the lowest level has been registered in Germany. Viewers aged 18-25 watch an average of 9 hours, 13 minutes per week, while over 60 audience watches less than 4 and a half hours of online video per week.

Even with a wider and wider offer, movies are the most commonly watched content in general and especially in France, India, Italy, Philippines, and Singapore. TV shows, instead, are most popular in Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and the U.S. News is the most popular content in Germany. Age influences spectators’ tastes: viewers 18-25 prefer to watch TV shows, while older ones choose movies. Online news and sports viewership is highest among people 26-35.

While computers are the primary device for people interested in watching online videos in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the U.K., smartphones are preferred in India, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.S. Younger viewers (until 45 years) have a clear preference for smartphones, while older ones choose computers.