Do the majority of Americans watch YouTube on TV?
Posted by OMTYUS@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 434 comments
I’ve been making YouTube videos for quite a long time, but something that has always interested me is whether it’s actually normal to watch YouTube on TV. I’m from Central Europe, and I don’t know anyone who actually does that. In general, people here watch YouTube either on their phone or on a PC.
In my YouTube stats, I see that people from the US mainly watch my videos on TV. Is that actually true? What’s even weirder is that some of my YouTube SHORTS have the majority of their watch time coming from TV… like I really don’t get it😂
slightlyobtrusivemom@reddit
I have a big ass TV, why would I use my laptop?
sikon024@reddit
It's easier to run ad blockers on your laptop and use an HDMI cable to connect to the big ass TV
Emotional-Writer-766@reddit
Ad blockers? We’re running YouTube premium.
Proud-Delivery-621@reddit
It depends on how far your TV is when you're viewing it. My TV is much bigger than my monitor, but it's easier to see the monitor that's 2 feet from my face.
FWEngineer@reddit
for a video short? Besides, a laptop is 18" from my eyes, has similar angle of view as my TV.
Fox-Dragon6@reddit
Its bot just the distance and angle for your eye but the position of your body. I can comfortably watch my TV on my couch without hurting my back, but I can’t with a laptop.
Laptop on a desk/table, laptop on my knees, a laptop on my stomach, standing up with a laptop. None of these are comfortable for any length of time.
B_O_A_H@reddit
Exactly, 75” on the wall vs a 12” MacBook.
FWEngineer@reddit
8 feet away on the wall, vs. 18" away on your laptop? (Also, I have 15" mac). Angle of view is pretty much the same for me.
Ok_Bell_44@reddit
14” of LCD or 77” of G4 OLED?
soggyballsack@reddit
77"? What 3rd world country do you live in? If it ain't minimum 100" I can't see shit.
Unknown1776@reddit
I shudder to imagine what a 100”+ OLED costs lol
FWEngineer@reddit
TVs are cheap now. If you have a hole in your drywall it's cheaper to cover it up with a TV than to pay a handyman to patch the hole.
Curmudgy@reddit
Just get a projector. Maybe some heavy drapes if your room is too light.
soggyballsack@reddit
Not too bad. Around 2k for name brand and 1k for off brand.
Ok_Bell_44@reddit
I’d love to find a 100” OLED for $2k
slayer1am@reddit
Depends on distance to screen. There's a chart online somewhere that shows ideal screen size to sitting location.
ODA564@reddit
Distance to screen is for the poors.
NathanEmory@reddit
Shorts is a bit strange, but for my generation- yeah we watch youtube on smart TVs and Streaming sticks and such. I'm a dude at the start of Gen Z by the way
Pleasant_Studio9690@reddit
I watch YouTube on my Living room TV often. I stream through an Apple TV. Probably 30-40% of what I stream is YouTube content.
ushouldbe_working@reddit
I doubt it. I only do it when I want to watch longer videos while doing housework.
Zenthane@reddit
My wife and I watch YT on our TV when we feel like relaxing on the couch to some violent car crashes. That said, normally I watch in on my PC or phone.
ZePlotThickener@reddit
Maybe half the time on the TV half on phone/other devices. I've wondered for a while why so many creators still point to empty areas of the video and tell people to click when that shit ain't there on TV. Probably time to not make it so integral to your video.
BlatantDisregard42@reddit
I might cast something from YouTube up on the TV from my phone if I’m doing chores in that room, but pretty rarely since I have all my paid streaming services logged in there.
judgingA-holes@reddit
I watch it on my phone, but I know a lot of people that watch it on TV..... well, during football season we watch YouTube on the big projector screen that I guess would be considered a TV by the app. But just every day YouTube watching I do on my phone.
garster25@reddit
I do. But I think most watch it on their phone.
chevy42083@reddit
I watch a significant amount on the TV. Its kind of an off shoot of not having cable and just streaming material via apps.
But the firestick app is horrible, so its often much easier to navigate on my phone/tablet. Which I'm usually to lazy to broadcast to the TV, even though its quite easy.
MOST of the time, I would much prefer a big screen with a soundbar from a comfy couch/bed over a phone/tablet. And shorts really don't change any aspect of that.
JoeyKino@reddit
I watch it more on my phone than on a TV, but will sometimes cast movies from my phone to the TV if it's something we can't stream on any service, or if we have people over and are talking about something we saw on YouTube because it's way better than people crowding around a phone.
Greenearthgirl87@reddit
I’d say people that have the ability watch YouTube on their TV do. We do, set up both parents as well. They watch on all of their tech.
An_elusive_potato@reddit
My wife keeps the TV in our house on lofi girl all the time when we aren't streaming something
Revolutionary_Gas551@reddit
Almost all of my TV viewing is YouTube, and I almost always watch it on TV.
Shoddy-Secretary-712@reddit
I watch a lot of YouTube, but its mostly music, clips from shows like Conan/SNL/Graham Norton. Occasionally a movie that isn't on a subscribed streaming service.
I don't use it to seek out content creators or YouTubers.
MonsieurRuffles@reddit
Not sure if it’s the majority but many Americans use their TVs (and streaming devices) to stream video from many different services including YouTube.
TableIll4714@reddit
This. I don’t watch a lot of youtube, 1-2 hours a day including news, but I do it on an Apple TV just like Netflix etc
tacosandsunscreen@reddit
You think 1-2 hours a day of YouTube is not a lot? I think that’s a LOT but I’m curious what the average would be.
ferret_80@reddit
I think if it's treated like background tv 2 hrs is not a whole lot.
Put some background tv on while making dinner around 5 or 6, eat/jeopardy at 7, an hour of news programs. That's 2.5-3.5 hrs right there with no sports or primetime entertainment shows.
MasonStonewall@reddit
I often will put a long YouTube streaming session on while I go about the house doing things... some of those gaming streams last 4+ hours.
Due-Garage4146@reddit
I miss those days. I remember the game show Jeopardy. Family used to watch it back in the early 90s when I was growing up. I don’t think these game shows exist anymore, but it does bring back memories.
clearliquidclearjar@reddit
All those game shows are still on and most have multiple versions.
Emergency-Salamander@reddit
Jeopardy is definitely still on.
shadowpavement@reddit
I often have you tube on in the background while I’m doing other things. At work it’s often music, at home it’s usually videos from folks involved in my hobbies.
In total it’s way more than 2 hours. But less than an hour of actively sitting and watching specific vids.
TableIll4714@reddit
Note that this includes at least 1 hour of PBS News Hour and often a few news segments beyond that
djfilms@reddit
6 hours is not a lot, if that’s the only thing you’re watching .
kkkktttt00@reddit
Spending more than a third of your waking hours watching YouTube is a lot.
djfilms@reddit
Not if it’s the only thing you’re watching… do you have any idea what the average is. I’m sure it will blow your mind.
Metal_Rider@reddit
1-2 hours a day of youtube isn’t a lot? Serious question.
Tankieforever@reddit
That’s more than I would do per week…
TableIll4714@reddit
Well I watch an hour of public television (PBS News Hour) every day so that’s the majority of the time I estimated
Low-Palpitation-9916@reddit
Make sure you say that again, some people might not understand that you're a regular PBS news hour viewer.
TableIll4714@reddit
did I mention that I watch PBS via YouTube though?
zxstanyxz@reddit
Is 1-2 hours of Netflix a lot? Is 1-2 hours of tv a lot?
CartographerDull4303@reddit
I have YouTube on in the background about 8 hours a day while I work. But I’m really only actively watching it for small pockets of time.
Scav-STALKER@reddit
That’s a lot man, hate to break it to you
FWEngineer@reddit
There's youtube, then there's youtube TV. People are confusing the two.
djfilms@reddit
What? Average screen time is more than 6 hours per day. If 1-2 hours of that is YouTube, makes sense.
anclwar@reddit
I watch YouTube a lot, like I am hesitant to share how much because it's so much, and even I think 1-2 hours a day is a lot of YouTube.
FWEngineer@reddit
not so much if you include YouTube TV, with the broadcast and "cable" channels
TableIll4714@reddit
60-90 minutes of that is public television/news
TableIll4714@reddit
To everyone responding how 1-2 hours is a lot — 1 hour is PBS News Hour. I also watch This old house on YouTube occasionally. So not counting those it’s maybe 0-15m/ day
1boog1@reddit
This is spot on. I watch YouTube, Netflix, Prime video, etc. On my TV.
And lately I probably watch YouTube the most.
Oily_Bee@reddit
I watch YouTube on my TV sometimes but mostly on my PC. Sometimes I watch ski and skateboard competitions and those are nice to watch from the couch.
intotheairwaves17@reddit
95% of the time I use my iPad, sometimes I use my phone, and very very rarely I’ll watch it on TV. My dad mostly watches it on TV though.
I prefer to use my iPad because I tend to have it on in the background while I’m doing stuff like getting ready, cooking, cleaning, etc. Just easier to be able to move it with me.
Alternative-Law4626@reddit
I do, most days with morning coffee.
Nyx_Shadowspawn@reddit
Yeah generally. It's not how I watched TV growing up (well, YouTube didn't exist when I was growing up). I stream from my phone to the TV, instead of paying for cable. YouTube is free.
fairyboyjstar@reddit
I'm not sure about the majority but I prefer to use my tv because it's my biggest screen. I don't watch tv shows and I barely watch movies but I watch Markiplier and it's easier to see what's going on if I have a bigger screen. A phone screen isn't a great option for watching gameplay imo
MMARapFooty@reddit
Laptop and Phone
Responsible_Tax_998@reddit
I do typically watch on a TV. I am doing so right now in fact. I like the ability to both watch YT and do stuff on my laptop (like typing this post).
MonkeyVine7@reddit
Ok, now let's talk about using reddit on a computer. Now THAT'S crazy.
Whybaby16154@reddit
Watching YT on TV right now while scrolling - as usual in the evenings
animeistheog@reddit
I only watch it on the TV if no one else is home and that’s almost never. Even then I prefer it on a computer.
MonkeyVine7@reddit
I watch YouTube on my TV, phone, and computer. Just depends on what I'm up to. YouTube came as an app on my tv so its super easy to click into and watch.
yossariandawn@reddit
The majority of what I watch on TV is YouTube. I only have a couple of shows I follow at any given time on a different streaming service, and I almost never have live TV or local broadcast on.
For further context, most of what I watch on YouTube is long form content, either educational or video essays about topics I'm interested in.
PapaTua@reddit
Same. YouTube is 95% of my recreational viewing, and a significant portion of that is science/documentary/video essay content.
yossariandawn@reddit
That sounds really interesting! One of the best parts of YouTube is it allows people to make that kind of content and share it with a low barrier. Love that.
PapaTua@reddit
You should check it out. The hiker is compelling and his photography is truly stunning. His almost daily series made me feel as if I hiked the PCT myself.
It deserves to be a PBS documentary or something. Really engaging!
yossariandawn@reddit
Thank you, I will!
Foreign_Mobile_7399@reddit
My husband watched YouTube all the time on our living room tv. Like that’s pretty much all he watches. Mostly stuff about his hobbies. I usually watch more on my phone, but I absolutely have watched on the tv as well
We also use YouTube on the tv for our son
Decent-Caramel-2129@reddit
Majority of my YouTube is on my laptop. My next choice is phone, and tv is my least preferred way of watching anything other than tv shows and movies.
Ok_Driver_6895@reddit
I do. I mostly watch long form content on YT (like hours long). I cast to the TV from my laptop and play games or whatever while the TV plays in the background. Sometimes just ambient stuff like nature sounds. I live alone so it's not a problem and my TV has better sound quality and a huge screen. I don't even own a smart phone.
Individual_Speech_10@reddit
Not me. I hate watching YouTube on the TV because you can't read/make comments. Sometimes that's part of the enjoyment.
Bulky-Leadership-596@reddit
If you cast it to the tv from your phone or pc (which of course is the way to do it because navigating youtube with a remote is terrible) then you can still go through the comments while its playing on the tv.
Ok_Driver_6895@reddit
Yeah, that's what I do.
Individual_Speech_10@reddit
Really? Learn something new every day. Thank you!
fried_clams@reddit
You can read comments on the Roku YouTube app, at least on my "Ultra" device.
caseygwenstacy@reddit
You can read comments on the TV, I do. As far as making a comment, I just pull it up on my phone from my history, takes seconds.
Prior-Soil@reddit
My husband watches all of it on TV. Okay 90%. And he watches hours every day. He selects things from his phone and streams them to the TV.
chaosilike@reddit
Its an app on my TV. So any long videos I put up or just lofi music when I do chores
Cosmictea01@reddit
I don't.
Top-Web3806@reddit
I only watch YouTube on my phone or iPad
McBernes@reddit
I do. I haven't watched network TV in decades. There's lots of good channels out there. Theres one called Horrorbabel where a guy narrates scary stories. He has almost all, if not all, of lovecrafts stories. Creepcast is about creepypastas and other scary stories. Wendigoon does all kinds of interesting stories. Skill Tree has tutorials about crafting things for cosplaying fantasy charactets.
csb193882@reddit
Personally, I don't. It appears like I'm in the minority though. Lol I watch stuff on my laptop or phone. I rarely even turn on my TV tbh
Phantomtastic@reddit
I’m really surprised by all the people saying they do. Seems so very WebTV.
lisagd625@reddit
Depending on what you're watching, having the bigger screen lets you see what's going on better. If it's just someone sitting there talking, it doesn't matter, but if it's someone showing how to do something, it really helps.
simplyexistingnow@reddit
Honestly its a game changer
ConsistentMobile4990@reddit
I do. In a 50 inch TV
KhristoferRyan@reddit
Primarily my phone.
AtheneSchmidt@reddit
My Roku TV has an app for YouTube. I get to sit in my comfy chair with my blanket and watch cute animals on my massive TV, so yes I choose that over my little computer screen, and the annoyance that is using the YouTube app on my phone.
Reaganson@reddit
I’m an old guy, so I like to watch reaction videos by young people to 60s and 70s music.
chrisinator9393@reddit
I use my TV. Because it's in a room with a comfy couch and a big fuckin TV.
I do watch YouTube on my PC. But not nearly as often.
Life's too short to not be cozy.
freeski919@reddit
I have a mini computer connected to my TV for purposes of sailing the high seas, so I guess I'm watching it on a PC and a TV.
Justmakethemoney@reddit
It depends on where/what I’m watching. If it is something that I’m watching alone, I’ll watch on my phone. If it’s something my husband and I are both watching, we’ll cast to the TV.
I also cast live feeds of “cat tv” (bird feeders, squirrels, etc) for my cats. They love it.
fraurodin@reddit
I occasionally watch a TV show on YouTube if I can't find it streaming somewhere else. Other than that and maybe posting a song clip I never watch YouTube. Too much misinformation and I don't know why people give such preferential treatment to strangers on this site more than actual people they know saying something.
CoachOpen1977@reddit
I mostly watch YouTube on my TV while I’m doing housework.
Great_Chipmunk4357@reddit
According to statistics 150 million Americans watch YouTube on TV every month. That is not a majority, because our population is 350 million. Remember that the average American receives upwards of 180+ channels on regular TV, so YouTube has a lot of competition.
sharkycharming@reddit
I don't, but my 79 year old housemate watches shorts on her Smart TV all day long. So maybe it's other elders who are doing that.
onlyreason4u@reddit
I do all of the above, TV, computer, and phone/tablet.
Between my house and outbuilding I have 5 TVs. If I'm within view if a TV why would I watch something on a tiny phone? It's just another streaming platform. I'm watching movies mostly on TV, no difference.
littleyellowbike@reddit
If it's a video my husband and I are both interested in watching, we watch it on the TV. If it's only interesting to one of us, we watch on our personal devices.
I'd say only about 20% of the YouTube content consumed in our house is on the TV.
poeticjustice4all@reddit
I do when I’m cooking usually or just want to not look at my PC
myotheroneders@reddit
I watch a some stuff on my phone if I'm just watching stuff on my own. But I do have a daily routine that after my partner and I get home from work, we look at youtube on the tv and check out any new videos from some of the creators we follow. I do also find myself just watching random stuff on youtube on my tv if there's nothing else in particular that I want to watch. Watching on the tv is more convenient when there's more than 1 person in the room watching. We don't have to be close together looking at a small phone screen for an hour while we watch random videos and being distracted by notifications coming up. I don't watch shorts on youtube though.
Bubbly-End-6156@reddit
I watch maybe 30 minutes of youtube a week. Exclusively on my TV.
Dalton387@reddit
Yeah. Not sure why I wouldn’t. It’s a bigger screen, it’s not like I’m typing things up while watching. What’s the benefit of sitting at a computer or on a small phone screen? I can pop it up on a 55” tv with surround sound.
yt_BWTX@reddit
youtube is 90% of my viewing and it's all on TV...to me it's just another streaming channel..
houdini31@reddit
It is definitely an option but I watch them on my phone
No-Mouse4800@reddit
I never watch TV. I watch YouTube from my PC.
Quirky-Invite7664@reddit
My husband does. I don’t.
JTMoney336@reddit
I rarely watch YouTube. When I do, its usually music videos or something of the sort and we put it on the big screen with our sonos audio.
palomdude@reddit
I mostly watch YouTube on my TV. Phone is too tiny, and I have to sit at my desk if I want to watch on my computer, which isn’t as comfortable as my couch.
boner4crosstabs@reddit
Like 90% of my YouTube consumption is on my big ass tv.
Ask_Aspie_@reddit
I do. I watch youtube on my TV all the time.
Mental_Internal539@reddit
My parents watch YouTube on their smart TV and my HTPC is hooked up to a TV just for that reason along with party games.
If it's on my phone it means I am not at home.
DukeOfMiddlesleeve@reddit
Hell no
Not_An_Isopod@reddit
I watch it on my tv about 90% of the time, I hate watching it on my phone and try to avoid it unless I really need to. Like a tutorial for something is all I would watch it on my phone for
Cheap_Coffee@reddit
Do the majority of Americans watch YouTube videos?
PuppyYuki@reddit
YouTube is the primary way we watch TV. Lol me use the TV for some shows or movies every now and then and then for games (PS5). That's about it.
baalroo@reddit
Yeah, that's normal. I hate YouTube on a phone, and tolerate it on a PC. A TV is where it shines.
GSilky@reddit
The majority of Americans don't watch YouTube regularly. These things are overstated in their ubiquity. YouTube has the most with 254 million MONTHLY users in the USA, which measures everything from addicts to people like me who accidentally hit a link or needed to know how to change a Mazda headlight once. Actual paid subscriptions are nowhere near as common as a once every fifth month viewing. All social media is over hyped on American users, X has less than a third of Americans ever having used it, Instagram is similar. The main users in the USA are media and celebrities, or people hoping to be celebrities, and propaganda bots (possibly over half of X).
lithomangcc@reddit
YouTube is a channel on my cable don’t even need a smart TV. However I don’t watch it on TV because there’s no ad blocker
Inevitable-Lock5973@reddit
I never watch YouTube. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve ever seen it.
Laimered@reddit
I'm from eastern Europe and I watch YouTube on TV.
Libertas_@reddit
For some long form youtube videos or documentaries I’ll connect my laptop to the tv and lean back on the couch and watch. I’d say about 70% of my Youtube viewing is on the computer and 30% on the TV.
TwinkieDad@reddit
I barely watch youtube at all, but my kids (regrettably) watch it on tv. They don’t have computers and their tablets are very limited in time per day. I’d rather they watch things on the big screen: better for their eyes to look at something further away and I can see what they’re watching. Most youtube content they watch is incredibly dumb.
tyoung89@reddit
I watch it on my pc, which is has a 55” 4k 144hz tv as its monitor. So….yes?
Benchod12077@reddit
No I watch it on my phone and I got premium
GreenBeanTM@reddit
Probably has more to do with what someone’s living situation is. Someone living in their own place is probably more likely to watch YouTube on the tv than someone like me who still lives at home.
Comprehensive-Pin667@reddit
I'm not American so I don't know if I'm allowed to reply. Just cane to say that I'm central European and I definitely watch YouTube on my TV all the time. So we exist.
Clear_Task3903@reddit
my kids turn on youtube shorts and leave it on for hours, i've never watched youtube on anything but my pc
Sassifrassically@reddit
I watch it almost exclusively on my phone and sometimes on my computer
Formal-Telephone5146@reddit
That’s all I watch is YouTube videos outside of Sporting events
PrimaryHighlight5617@reddit
I'm gen z and we only own a tv because the previous owners left it in our home. We have no clue how to use it aside from plugging our laptop into it
So, yes. We watch YouTube on TV.
MilleryCosima@reddit
Occasionally.
Youtube switches to longer and more frequent ads when I play it on my TV, though, so I don't do it as often as I could.
Deep-Profession-9321@reddit
Inversely, it's always surprising to us the Europeans use PC's. Like sure, businesses and developers use PC, but PC culture in general is so ironically American. For example, there's a subreddit called PCMasterRace and the sub is 95% Americans. Or any PC related sub like subs for PC games or apps, it will be dominated by American's. The vast majority of content creators are American too, so it gets even harder to imagine Europeans who make content on pc.
14Rage@reddit
I ONLY watch it on my tv and projector. I guess ill watch a fix it tutorial on my phone. But tv style content is only on tv.
wfbhp@reddit
I don't watch much on YouTube, but when I do, I usually watch it on my PC. If I want to show someone else a video, I send it to the TV because it's way bigger and more visible to the whole room. If it's on my phone, it means I just wanted to hear a song and I'm not looking at the video.
pikkdogs@reddit
I don’t anyway.
I have it on my phone as I’m cooking or cleaning.
NYOB4321@reddit
I watch YouTube on my TV.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
Yeah I just use the cable remote and boop a button and say “YouTube (search term)” it’s rad.
Or I use my phone or the laptop.
Curmudgy@reddit
Most of my YouTube watching is on my iPad. But we’ll watch a couple of gay web series on YouTube together on the big screen, and rarely anything else.
kdani17@reddit
I pretty much watch YouTube exclusively on my television. I can’t stand watching videos on my phone and don’t have a computer.
TheBlazingFire123@reddit
I watch mostly on phone but sometimes on computer. Never on tv
boostreak@reddit
I do both tv and tablet. When I wash dishes I use the tablet. My tv for most other times
NotenStein@reddit
Most of our YouTube watching is on TV.
CartographerDull4303@reddit
I play YouTube on my tv while I’m working. And it’s on autoplay so if shorts are played depending on how invested in my work I am at that moment I might not even notice
Brief-Definition7255@reddit
I watch on the tv through the YouTube app on my PlayStation when I’m home, I use my phone when I’m out
Ok_Two_2604@reddit
I don’t know anyone who does other than my brother. I might if my tv had an ad blocker but it’s more of an ad added. Watching on my phone using the chrome app I have not watched an ad in a decade.
notsosecretshipper@reddit
I watch probably 70% on the TV and 30% on my phone. Almost never on the actual computer, and when I do, it's most likely I'm trying to look up one specific reference.
NYdude777@reddit
Literally never. PC and phone only.
OrganizationSouth481@reddit
Personally I only use YouTube on my phone.
My dad watches YouTube on TV though. And most people treat YouTube as another streaming service just like Netflix. So it’s really not an illogical leap that people would watch on TV.
anfreug2022@reddit
I use YouTube on all platforms (phone, iPad, tv via appletv hardware).
But the majority of it is on the tv/appletv.
Why squint at a tiny screen when I can watch it on an 85” screen.
I wonder if it’s an age skew issue. Most people when they get past ~40 or so, their vision gets worse and it is less pleasant to watch on a small handheld device.
Maybe US YouTuber viewers in the US skew older.
elenchusis@reddit
Literally never have once watched YouTube on TV. Tablets and laptops though, sure
krill482@reddit
Do you guys not have smart TVs?
nottatroll@reddit
I fucking hate watching YouTube on my TV.
Ads can suck my balls. I ain’t paying for premium.
Firefox + ublock.
theycallmethevault@reddit
I don’t watch YouTube vids at all. Never got into it.
Cinisajoy2@reddit
Shorts by chance?
theycallmethevault@reddit
Does he watch shorts? He has a subscription to YT so I'm assuming it's longform content.
Donohoed@reddit
I only watch YouTube on TV if I'm also playing a game on my computer, although I usually just cast it from the laptop to the TV so it would still probably show as PC
PersusjCP@reddit
Exclusively on my PC or phone
mnemosyne64@reddit
Probably has to do with the videos you make, interestingly enough! Something to do with your age demographic maybe?
jessper17@reddit
At home, we watch YouTube on the tv most of the time. I may half watch stuff on my laptop while I wfh but I don’t see the point of watching on a tiny screen if I don’t have to.
SnowblindAlbino@reddit
I'm watching it on a 75" TV right now. And I do that pretty much every day. I never watch any video of any kind on a phone, I hate watching a small screen. At work I have a 40" monitor so will sometimes have YT content on there too.
But I also hate short form video, so I never watch shorts at all. Most of what I'm watching on YT runs 30 min at a minimum, usually 2-3x that. Right now I'm watching a TV special from 1975 that's 90 minutes long.
Cinisajoy2@reddit
Streaming mostly on the big TV through Dish. You tube most on my husband's TV/laptop. I stream through roku on my craft room TV. And will occasionally stream on a tablet in the kitchen or bathroom.
SufficientProject273@reddit
Why would I watch it on a tiny screen when I can watch it on a giant screen?
Crying_in_99Ranch@reddit
No because it's a hassle. Phone is so much easier to use and browse around. I only watch on the TV when I want to watch a video with people but that's not often
Cinisajoy2@reddit
Laptop hooked up to a TV works.
Remarkable_Table_279@reddit
I just watched on TV today - it was annoying cause the commercials were much longer…hate it
PlusPresentation680@reddit
Many people do. I watch YouTube on my TV all the time. Not exclusively, but frequently
Meowmeowmeow31@reddit
Over the last 5-10 years, a ton of people have switched to Apple TV and similar stuff where you have apps for individual streaming services and YouTube.
shelwood46@reddit
Roku has the major market share, and, yeah, they've had an app for YT for at least a decade, plus you can cast from your phone/tablet/laptop if you started watching it there and want to switch to a bigger screen.
Cinisajoy2@reddit
I once casted a video on how to make a French knot to the big TV. My husband who was watching you tube on his computer/TV got a funny look on his face.
kurai-tsuki@reddit
I watch 100% of YouTube on TV and HATE how much they try to get me to watch shorts. Why would you optimize an app for a widescreen HDTV and then want me to watch vertically filmed, low res videos with huge black bars on the sides?
Cinisajoy2@reddit
My husband's computer monitor is a TV. Though only a 40 inch. Our big TV does have a YT app.
agelessArbitrator@reddit
Watching YouTube on my TV right now, and usually do (why would I watch on tiny screen when I have access to BIG screen?). Also my husband and I watch a lot of videos together so streaming on the TV is just easier.
ImLittleNana@reddit
I watch it in my television. It’s playing right now while scroll Reddit on my iPhone.
I’m an old though. I watch quilting and sewing tutorials, recipe channels, and the Red Bull dance competitions. My algorithm is crazy.
I dont want to see any of that on my phone. It’s too small. I want to Miyu and MT Pop and homemade enchiladas on my big screen.
msh0430@reddit
All the time.
Zealousideal_Sir_264@reddit
Kids watch it on the TV. I mainly use the phone, I pretty much only watch car videos or music videos, don't need to force the whole house to listen to gutalax or non est deus lol.
wairua_907@reddit
I do , I have YouTube premium and the app is on my tv .
seajayacas@reddit
Why not watch it when at home on a big screen TV. Beats the heck out of a small screen on a phone.
Outlaw_Josie_Snails@reddit
I mostly watch YouTube on my tablet and phone.
Sometimes I cast YouTube from my tablet to my TV
devilscabinet@reddit
I don't, because I can't run ad blockers on my TV. If I could, I would prefer to watch it on a bigger screen.
chesbay7@reddit
I watch YT from my TV a lot. It's better than holding my phone for a long time.
DuelJ@reddit
I almost always watch or listen on my phone
Richard_Chadeaux@reddit
I watch youtube on my tv. But that’s mostly because I don’t watch TV channels. YouTube is my TV but I stay away from shorts as best as I can.
ChemistRemote7182@reddit
My gaming console is my media device, I do not let my TV talk to the internet. I do watch youtube in place of traditional programming via my console on my TV.
Scott43206@reddit
TV because I can watch without being signed in. Fuck Google.
SadLeek9950@reddit
I do from time to time. Especially tutorials.
Outlaw25@reddit
I throw YouTube on the TV either when I'm cooking as background noise or whenever my SO and I want to sit and watch something together but don't necessarily want to commit to watching an hour+ show or a movie. Instead we'll find one or two 15-20 minute YouTube videos
Early-Raisin-540@reddit
I do sometimes if I’m drunk or something
Rattlingplates@reddit
Yeah I run YouTube on my 85” tv near daily
Smeaglete@reddit
I do, my parents do, and most people who still have a tv that I know do. Personally, we have Netflix Hulu Disney + and peacock and I watch those maybe twice a month, it’s almost all YouTube. I usually have a video in while I’m doing other stuff, or playing on my phone.
BSch2023@reddit
I watch on my phone and not all that often
Ok_Orchid1004@reddit
I never purposely watch youtube videos
EEJams@reddit
I typically stream YouTube from my phone or laptop, but I'll stream it from my TV if I want to put on some chill lofi music in the room I'm in
Ayuuun321@reddit
I don’t watch regular streaming stuff, so I just watch YouTube on my tv. My tv is bigger than my laptop screen
BlmgtnIN@reddit
My husband and I primarily watch live sports and YouTube when we watch TV. We kind of bounce around, but tend to gravitate to travel content, news, restaurants, documentary/research pieces, local interest stuff, hobbies and interests, comedy stuff, etc. We barely watch “regular” streaming any more, except for a few select shows.
Otherwisefantastic@reddit
If I'm sitting in my living room watching YouTube, why wouldn't I just use the TV instead of my phone?
rosewalker42@reddit
I don’t know about anyone else, but I do. I can’t stand watching things on my phone. I don’t really watch shorts, though.
20ears19@reddit
It’s been months since I’ve watched anything but YouTube on my tv.
Bluemonogi@reddit
My family views youtube and other streaming services on our tv daily.
I don’t watch videos on my phone or PC but I might use my tablet.
cfcblue26@reddit
If I have a bigass TV I'm not watching shit on a tiny phone or laptop screen.
qu33nof5pad35@reddit
Sometimes. I rarely use YouTube now.
Common-Independent-9@reddit
I watch it through a ps5 that’s plugged into my tv but I’m not sure if that counts
OkAstronaut1562@reddit
I only watch YouTube on my tv lol.
DadPuncher69@reddit
I watched YouTube every day, and almost all of it is on my TV.
GulliasTurtle@reddit
I watch YouTube on my TV when I want to watch with people. Especially a longer video. I can turn on a video essay or GamesDoneQuick speedrun and watch with my family while we eat dinner or hang out.
sluttypidge@reddit
I play video essays all day every day about just about anything.
Dinosaurs, prehistoric humans, weather disasters, man-made disasters, analysis of a book I just read. Normally all between 30 to 120 minutes long ❤️
Robbiebny@reddit
What is a video essay?
GulliasTurtle@reddit
It's a long video featuring researched narration about a topic. Like a documentary but on YouTube.
Robbiebny@reddit
Ah thanks along
East_Vivian@reddit
Mostly I watch YouTube on my phone or iPad, sometimes on my computer, rarely on the TV.
1911Earthling@reddit
Half on tv and half on iPad.
FuryForged@reddit
Back when I used to watch a lot of YouTube, it was always through my console’s YT app displayed on my TV.
Berylldama@reddit
I think it is pretty common of Americans to use their TVs to watch all sorts of streaming services including Youtube. I would personally say that I'd rather watch literally anything on my TV because I can watch from the comfort of my couch, instead of hunched over my laptop or phone screen.
Polite_Bark@reddit
My spouse watches YouTube on our TV using a Roku stick. He basically uses the TV as a monitor. We generally only use it for YouTube and playing movies.
I watch on PC.
sluttypidge@reddit
Yeah it's nice to play it on YouTube when I'm working around the main living area of my house due to the open concept. I can turn YouTube onto my TV and then sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, wipe down the living room, dining room, and kitchens without having to drag my phone around with me to be able to hear it.
Pablo_is_on_Reddit@reddit
I pretty much exclusively use my TV to watch streaming (77" oled), including YouTube. I don't like to watch videos on my phone or computer. The phone especially is a terrible way to watch videos, so uncomfortable.
SchoolOfYardKnocks@reddit
I only use it when I need to learn how to do something. Usually on my phone from the garage. It’s not really entertainment for me.
myname_1s_mud@reddit
I only watch YouTube on tv. I dont have standard tv service, so its all streaming platforms and YouTube
MetalEnthusiast83@reddit
Yeah. Why would I watch on my phone when I could watch on my 85 inch tv?
Icy-Role2321@reddit
Got youtube on the tv right now
Bubbly_Following7930@reddit
I rarely watch YouTube but when I do, it's on the phone
LemonSkye@reddit
Me, my BF, and my dad all watch YouTube on our TVs. For me at least it's probably the streaming service I watch the most of.
makeherbeg4it@reddit
Yes, I almost exclusively watch YouTube on my TV using my Nvidia Shield TV Pro. So much better seeing things on the big screen. Not a huge fan of shorts though but normal full-length videos absolutely.
ConstantRude2125@reddit
I have YouTubebetv for what network tv we watch. I also watch quite a bit of YouTube proper. My wife is Filipino and she watches Philippine tv shows (1 day delay) and some Philippine video bloggers.
I also use it on my phone when I get over my head in some household and car repairs, improvements, etc.
Designer-Travel4785@reddit
I've watched a few with my grandkids. Other than that, I always watch on my tablet.
Maurice_Foot@reddit
My family, we watch videos on our tanlets and phones for the most part, except for 20-30 minutes before wife and I turn in (and kid goes online with their friends). The last bit before bed, we switch tv to youtube and start playing videos back and forth. It’s mostly music videos and movie trailers. Lately we’ve been doing music quizes (name song artist after 8 seconds of music). Sometimes the kid will put on a longer interview or analysis videos about video games or movie makers.
EaglesFanGirl@reddit
Generally, no. Sometimes, yes. I don't watch youtube most of the time except on my PC or phone however, if i want to clean or am in another part of the house i might put on something long form (ie playlist) and play it. I also use to show my Dad stuff on youtube as he get TV better than just youtube on his ipad or PC. We also stream live stuff via youtube sometimes specifically, space launches (my dad is a rocket nerd).
We also stream netflix, amazon prime etc.
YoshiandAims@reddit
I stream from my TV. Not shorts... but full content.
thewags05@reddit
I've been watching less and less YouTube. Seems like they just keep putting in more and more ads. It's getting to be as bad as old school TV, and I cut the cord mostly because of ads
MadMatter86@reddit
Overwhelming majority of my YT watching is on a TV. Virtually zero on mobile.
balthisar@reddit
The kids watch Youtube Kids on the TV. When my Baby Boomer generation father visits, he watches Youtube on the TV. We (GenX and Millennial) never watch Youtube on the TV, only films and episodic content.
Youtube is relegated to our phones or PC's, which is either "filler" content, or looking for a tutorial because no one writes them down on websites anymore.
That's not really meant to disrespect Youtube content, but we don't watch TV to "fill time," but to watch stuff we actually want to see. There's not really anything on Youtube that fits that bill.
Woodinvillian@reddit
When you say people here in Central Europe are you including people who watch things together as a family? Or are Central Europeans supposed to huddle their family around a single phone or PC screen?
I watch stuff on my PC by myself and on my TV together with family.
Savings_Pipe_8029@reddit
I think it depends on the age range of people. I'm middle aged and I rarely watch YouTube videos on TV. My sons are teens are in their 20s. They watch majority of YouTube on their phones, but occasionally watch it on TV.
tasareinspace@reddit
this thread is so wild, I don't know of anyone else in my real life that watches youtube on their TV. I do, but not often. Usually if its a full show (the amazing digital circus was the last one I watched), but im like 90% of my youtube on the computer (love long video essays while I work) and like 8% on my phone.
allan11011@reddit
I watch about half my YouTube watching on tv.
noviceartificer@reddit
Over half my tv watching is a YouTube video
Disassociastrid@reddit
I watch YT on my TV like it was basic cable
_beartoe_@reddit
Rarely
PeterNippelstein@reddit
Almost exclusively
Pretend_Spring_4453@reddit
I only use YouTube when I'm looking up a how to so it's just on my phone.
No-Profession422@reddit
Usually on my TV
AgreeableCommission7@reddit
I used a combo of TV and tablet, occasionally phone
Unhappy-Ad-3870@reddit
Split about 50/50 between TV and iPad.
Per_sephone_@reddit
We do for vacation planning.
Responsible_Side8131@reddit
I prefer to watch you tube on my tv. I watch it on my phone if I’m not at home, but if I’m home, I watch on the tv.
Weekly_March@reddit
I think some people do. I couldn't. It doesn't feel right.
Thedaniel4999@reddit
I never use YouTube on TV. Ads are so much worse on YouTube TV
Hearsya@reddit
I'm an avid phone user. But certain creators make me get that feeling of watching it on a TV. I don't own a TV though. I rarely watch on my laptop, that feels weird for me
tcmits1@reddit
No,
Cable and fiber optic comprise 68 percent of television subscription services here.
Individual streaming services make up 14 percent.
Satellite services are 5 percent
4 percent have “cut the cable” complete without anything else but a traditional attenna.
The rest, 8-10 percent rounding up/down, are split among YouTube and other such web based subscription options.
FYI, I am a professor of Modern America history at one of America’s top universities. One of the course I offer is “The Demographics of 21st Century America.” My course covers everything related to the subject matter. My comments are what the American reality is.
Funicularly@reddit
You misunderstand the question.
Dry-Astronaut-8640@reddit
Nope. Although I have a 65” tv in my living room, I watch most things on a smallish tablet that sits on my coffee table - YouTube included. It don’t know why I even bought that tv…
When watching from my tablet, it’s easier to switch videos, hit the “skip” button on ads, etcetera. Oddly enough (or maybe it’s not that odd), I’ve noticed that the ads on my TV are usually twice as long as ads when I watch the same content on my tablet instead.
Crayshack@reddit
I'm not sure how it registers in terms of data tracking, but the TV in my house is basically just a giant computer monitor. We have a small tower permanently hooked up to it that we mostly use for things like playing YouTube videos for a group or the occasional other form of streaming (like movies or music). We also have an HDMI cable set up so that anyone can put their laptop on the big screen, which we mostly use for when someone is playing a video game that we think is worth watching as a group.
chesapique@reddit
Longer videos, I watch on TV though I still navigate through the phone app.
fried_clams@reddit
The interface in the Roku app is pretty good. Most nights I chill for an hour on my huge sectional couch, drinking a glass of wine, while watching YouTube on my 65" TV.
I only watch that one hour usually. Once in a while I'll watch something on another service, or just use my Plex server app on Roku TV.
caseygwenstacy@reddit
I don’t own a PC, sold mine when I was homeless for food money. I had my TV in my parent’s storage unit and I still have my iPad (it was really good for watching movies at night when I lived in my car). I watch YouTube exclusively on my TV. I’ve had Premium since 2017. I sit in my chair in my bedroom infront of the TV and watch all my YouTube there. It’s very nice.
Derplord4000@reddit
I don't. Typing is such a hassle and I can't even comment.
Neat_Shallot_606@reddit
Never watch it on tv
8696David@reddit
I watch longer-form content on my TV occasionally. If I’m just scrolling my feed and watching a few short videos, it’s almost certainly on my phone or laptop.
revolotus@reddit
I have objective data from the exact platform I am asking about. Can you, anecdotaly, tell me if it is accurate?"
geri73@reddit
I use my phone and tablet for some reason. I have watched it on tv before, many of times but my preferred method is my phone or tablet.
tk-093@reddit
I might watch quick videos on my phone, but anything more then a few minutes it's going in the TV. It would be weird otherwise.
HackDaddy85@reddit
I only watch YouTube on my tv. I never watch videos on my laptop or phone.
Scavgraphics@reddit
I mainly watch youtube on my tv thru AppleTV
_p4n1ck1ng_@reddit
Rarely. Mostly my phone, sometimes laptop but not shorts
Krossu2@reddit
I watch everything on TV, nothing on my phone.
panicnarwhal@reddit
we have smart tvs and an echo show 15, and they come with the youtube app already loaded - so yep, we definitely watch youtube on tv/echo more often than laptop/phone
i’ll occasionally watch something on my phone when i’m laying in bed, but primarily tv
Vegetable-Star-5833@reddit
No since I can’t install ad block on my tv but I can on my iPad
ITrCool@reddit
Mmmmm. 50/50 for me. I’ll watch YouTube on my Apple TV sometimes, but also on my computer too. Sometimes I’ll have a video playing on my phone quietly while at my desk working. Usually for noise or to watch while I’m waiting on a process to finish (I’m in IT for a living) that I have to monitor so can’t just walk away or do something else.
Efficient_Advice_380@reddit
My usage is split into 3rds. 1/3 on PC for tutorials and background noise, 1/3 on ipad while cooking or at work, and 1/3 on my TV to chill in bed
AerieWorth4747@reddit
Why are you asking if it’s true when you see it in your stats? Do you think YouTube would lie about that?
kBajina@reddit
About half n half. My tv remote is sooooo sloooowwww to type in letters, ow id prob use it more.
MarbleousMel@reddit
I watch pretty much exclusively on my phone.
SnooChocolates2750@reddit
I watch on a TV, but not through the TV app, when in bed. Just a secondary computer hooked up via HDMI to the TV. It's mainly to catch up on series or certain creators to fall asleep to. Like DangerouslyFunny or AboutOliver, Floydson. I only watch on my phone if I'm mobile and it's to help with something, like a car issue or random informational thing. 90% of my viewing is from a Desktop PC, for recreation.
Lower-Gap-4251@reddit
My parents had YouTube TV for a few months, they loved it but it got too damn expensive. But just for regular YouTube? I think it’s common for sure. I’m more of a Netflix/HBO Max/Hulu guy though.
shibby3388@reddit
No, I don’t think so. Personally, the only stuff I watch on YouTube are old episodes of Mystery Science Theater and full broadcasts of baseball games from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
rbroccoli@reddit
I generally watch youtube on my TV (connected to a Roku) when I do, because I don’t like watching tiny videos on my phone and my computer is usually just being used for work.
It’s a bigger display, connected to my full soundsystem, and I can watch from the comfort of my couch, so why not?
BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit
I'd say half of average youtube users watch it on tv
anclwar@reddit
My TV is basically only used for YouTube. Sometimes Netflix and Freeplay, but mostly just YouTube.
La_noche_azul@reddit
We all have smart TVs with the app, is it not the same in Europe
307148@reddit
I do if I'm cooking and want something on in the background. But I mostly use my laptop
NoSpaghettiForYouu@reddit
I don’t watch YouTube at all
NelPage@reddit
I watch a lot of YT on my TV.
photog_in_nc@reddit
generally speaking, if I’m watching content, I do that on a TV. If I’m reading online content, I’ll use my iPad most of the time, or iPhone on occasion. I watch a decent amount of YouTube content. I really like letting it play (on the TV) while I’m free to use my tablet/phone to do other things.
That’s the general rule, but if I’m reading Reddit (or Facebook) and there’s a link to a short video (or embedded one), I will watch on my tablet/phone.
Wallaroo_Trail@reddit
As someone who's seen both sides of the ocean I can say that Americans have a cultural tendency to have the TV on in the background while doing other things, which is less prevalent in Europe, where it's more of a full time activity. If all my attention goes to a YouTube video, I don't care if it's blocking my computer or my phone. If I want background noise, I'd rather free those devices up by streaming on the TV.
EffectiveCycle@reddit
Youtube I pretty much keep to my phone/computer, especially if I'm in streams and want to chat with others
Dax_Maclaine@reddit
Nope. Almost exclusively on my phone or laptop.
harrypotterobsessed2@reddit
No I’ve only used my laptop or my phone
goblin_hipster@reddit
Yeah, I usually watch via the app on Nintendo Switch. It's just easier and I like to see a big screen.
StuffonBookshelfs@reddit
I only watch YouTube on my television, I absolutely hate videos on my phone.
neoslith@reddit
I have a small computer hooked up to the living room TV.
We watch videos this way so we can have adblock help keep it all watchable.
eagleblue44@reddit
No. I usually watch exclusively on my phone.
evil66gurl@reddit
We have smart tvs, and we watch a lot of YouTube and since there's an app on the smart TV that's how we watch it. We watch more YouTube than anything else even though we have other streaming services. Of course if we're in the car, on the plane, in the train, anything else like that we're watching it on phones or tablets.
boulevardofdef@reddit
I almost never watched YouTube on my TV until a few years ago, when I had a baby and started watching it while I was up with him in the middle of the night. Now I do it all the time. I would say my YouTube viewership is something like 45 percent TV, 45 percent laptop, 10 percent phone. It depends a lot on what I'm watching. Longer-form content is usually TV, short little videos are laptop, phone only if I'm on the go.
cecil021@reddit
I mean, it works as an app on a smart TV like anything else, not sure why that’s strange.
SabresBills69@reddit
newer TVs you have the ease in switching from regular tv to YouTube or Netflix or other streaming services. others watch on phones or tablets.
some Can send the feed from their tablet to the tv for larger viewing but I don’t think would record as a tv view.
ThrowRA_whatstheword@reddit
I think it depends on the age group! I see a lot of teens-20s watching YouTube on TV (me included haha). But like most people over 30-35 that I personally know aren't really into YouTube period unless they are looking for something specific.
I think its because it became so integrated for gen z. I can't even remember ever not using YouTube as my main entertainment source especially cause we didn't have cable or streaming at our house until i was an older teen. So its mostly habit I think for the younger generations. Just from my personal experience anyway!
DameofDames@reddit
I watch on a TV, using a Roku.
CycadelicSparkles@reddit
I do. I have a streaming device for my TV that aggregates all the different streaming platforms into one place, including YouTube. It's pretty great. (It's like a Roku, but different brand, for those familiar with Roku.
invader000@reddit
PC.
Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit
Yes but it’s typically hunting shows or documentaries.
Sky14318@reddit
Funny enough, my household just got wifi for the very first time last week. Until now, wifi wasn’t an option in our middle of nowhere locale. Watching some of my favorite YouTube videos on the big screen was the very first thing I did. (Shout out to The Tales by the one and only Ren!! 🎶) Before that, I’d never watched YouTube on anything larger than my iPhone.
notthegoatseguy@reddit
YouTube is basically my default tv entertainment. I also pay for Premium so no ads
OMTYUS@reddit (OP)
Premium has to be one of the best inventions of the 21st century
oswin13@reddit
I do, but i do find the reduced functionality annoying
Hopeful_Pizza_2762@reddit
No.
garden__gate@reddit
Yeah, I usually watch YouTube while I’m doing something else so it makes sense to have it on the TV.
Catripruo@reddit
I hardly ever put YouTube on the tv unless I want to show my husband something. I love my iPad.
Dry_Seat_4547@reddit
90% of out on tv
Friendly_Side3258@reddit
I use my phone! The ads are insanelyyyyyy long when I watch the the tv and don’t cast from my phone
Quirky_Commission_56@reddit
I watch YouTube on my phone and my desktop, but rarely on TV. We use our TV specifically to stream shows and movies.
narcissistical_@reddit
I play videos on my TV while I work on my laptop usually
Hillbillygeek1981@reddit
I tend to watch YouTube in the evenings in much the same way I used to just watch TV. Catch up on my favorite content creators, maybe find a documentary or two, just relax and watch something light and ignorable rather than a show or movie I'm liable to fall asleep halfway through anyway. I also tend to be messing around on my phone, sending messages, paying the occasional bill online, etc. Having YouTube on a smart TV supports all that much better than watching it on my phone or laptop.
1questions@reddit
I don’t own a tv so it’s a no for me but generally speaking yes a lot of people use their tvs to stream stuff.
Louisianimal09@reddit
Pretty much everyone has a smart tv now so you can just download the app and punch in your account. Bam, YouTube on your tv
jerry_03@reddit
Mostly on my desktop monitor (dual 28") when im home, laptop screen (14") or my mobile phone (7").
I dont own a smart tv anymore, I got rid of it cause I wasn't using it. I also dont own a tablet for the same reason
animepuppyluvr@reddit
98% on my phone, but my husband doesnt have a desktop. His computer tower is connected to the living room tv so we usually just play games or stream on there. Maybe 2% of the time we watch YouTube on the tv. I almost never watch YouTube on my laptop.
Pure_Purple_5220@reddit
I still hdmi my laptop to my TV. Smart TVs are too slow with their apps.
poortomato@reddit
Phone small, TV big.
Ogrimarcus@reddit
Sometines, maybe if people are over at my house and I'm trying to show a video or something, but to be fair I also don't use YouTube for anything else much anymore, that and sometimes after my wife and I finish watching something if there's a trailer for something I want to see I'll pull it up to show her that. Occasionally if one of the Patreons I'm subbed to has released a new video and I'm up at night with nothing else to do and haven't seen it yet, I'll watch it on YouTube and suffer through the adds, but usually I watch stuff like that on Pateeon via my phone, definitely the rarest usecase.
I think YouTube on a TV, except for people who subscribe to YouTube TV I guess, is mostly for kids. My niece and nephews, the ones that watch YouTube anyway, will watch it on a TV.
BankManager69420@reddit
I honestly don’t know anyone who watches YouTube on the TV.
WWGHIAFTC@reddit
Probably half of my Youtube is on a TV.
Ok_Remote_1036@reddit
Yes we have YouTube, Netflix etc on our TVs. As well as a subscription to YouTube TV.
Phones and computers are much smaller screens so if you’re home it usually makes more sense to watch on your TV, unless the rooms with TVs are already in use. Americans also likely have more TVs than Central Europeans on average. We have 4 people and 4 TVs in our house, all in shared areas (not bedrooms).
Terrible-Image9368@reddit
I watch YouTube on my phone or iPad
Crissup@reddit
I doubt it’s the majority of Americans, but a sizable portion of the population does. I do not.
BooeyBrown@reddit
I watch most of my YouTube on tv. DJ sets, 80s and 90s pop culture nostalgia, some podcasts. All of my tvs and streaming boxes have the capability. I actually use my laptop for very little other than gaming.
LionsAndLonghorns@reddit
I watch mainly on my laptop, even live sports on youtubeTV
My kids mostly watch YouTube on their TVs.
MrsNoodleMcDoodle@reddit
I put YouTube videos of podcasts on the TV while I do chores
colliedad@reddit
...for seemingly hours every day...
caffeineaddict03@reddit
I do mostly now. I think a lot of regular TV/cable is full of trash and not worth the outrageous cost for half-assed shows full of ads. $55 for Internet and a few bucks of month for a VPN where I set my Internet up to think it's in Albania, which apparently is one of the few countries where YouTube is has no ads/monetization and I pick stuff I want to watch. There's so many good content made by these streamers now that it's an easy choice for me. There's amateur/armchair historians that have far better history programs that put together because that have a passion for it and it shows and they've got great YouTube channels for example
tujelj@reddit
Occasionally but not often. My daughter does it all the time, which means that my Youtube recs are pretty crazy, since our Roku is logged into my Youtube account and she watches rather different stuff than I do.
Kementarii@reddit
Family algorithm arguments, yay!
(Here it's "grrrr, have you been watching standup on MY profile again?")
egm5000@reddit
My husband is addicted to YouTube and watches it on the tv. I watch it on my phone while doing crafts, which actually means just listening with a glance up once in a while.
Ok_Kick_5090@reddit
I get live TV streaming through YouTube. It’s our “provider” - we stopped using a cable provider and now have YouTube Live. But, I rarely watch YouTube “videos” in the traditional sense. I’m in my 40s and not at all interested. Occasionally we will watch tutorials on a DIY home project.
Insomniac_80@reddit
Hmm, I like watching with a mouse and I'm old school so it gets watched on a computer most of the time.
eugenesnewdream@reddit
I never have. 🤷🏻♀️
_iusuallydont_@reddit
When I was younger I was laptop, iPad, phone exclusive now I watch mostly on my tv. The exception is when I’m traveling then I watch on a portable device.
Unable_Long4053@reddit
85% of my YouTube viewing is on my 65" television. I prefer that over the much smaller phone or laptop screens.
Vkardash@reddit
I would say a good chunk do
schonleben@reddit
My tv is almost exclusively a YouTube-watching device. I’ll watch on my laptop/phone at work, in bed, etc.
aftercloudia@reddit
i rarely use youtube, fundie fridays on the tv and that's it
Morbid_Uncle@reddit
Definitely and all of my friends and my roommate too
Social_Introvert_789@reddit
I have about a 45 min drive to and from work. And during work, I have tasks that sometimes doesn’t require much thought process. During those times I have YouTube on my phone and use my earbud. I don’t watch it, I just listen.
When I’m home, I watch it on the tv. And it’s usually different topics (from my phone to my tv)
Social_Introvert_789@reddit
And now I want to know what’s your channel? Especially if it’s outdoorsy stuff, I may even subscribe to you (and that’s the stuff I watch on tv when I’m home - not the stuff I listen to while driving or at work)
Hamblin113@reddit
I watch YouTube on a TV through Dish Network of all things. New inexpensive TV’s come with Roku which has YouTube as an automatic option. The problem I see, is attempting to like a video. There is also YouTube TV which is different.
This-Professional-39@reddit
I honestly don't. I'll check a video if it's a search result, but tend to watch content elsewhere
AllAlo0@reddit
As a Canadian it's 80-90% PC or phone, once in a while on tv but the ads are unbearable on tv mode
ZRaddue@reddit
Literally watching YouTube on my TV right now.
JoeFromStPaul@reddit
My kids do that, I watch on my phone
PineappleFit317@reddit
Why would I watch on a tiny screen when I can watch on a big screen with superior sound quality?
Solid-Hedgehog9623@reddit
Depends on what I’m watching. We don’t get darts very often over here, so I catch the pdc uploads on YouTube. Way better to watch on a big screen.
Marmatus@reddit
I occasionally do, but like 95% of my Youtube watch time is split between my phone and PC.
soggysocks6123@reddit
I think so. My wife would never, but I don’t like watching any of the streaming apps on my tv, I just YouTube my tv and watch people who do adventurous stuff.
mentho-lyptus@reddit
It’s mostly watched on televisions. https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/s/C20YCBllOC
MaximumAsparagus@reddit
I'll put a YouTube video on the TV in the evenings while I play with my cats
Dangerous-Budget937@reddit
Youtube is pretty much all I watch on TV these days.
canisnatatrix@reddit
I’d say 95% of my YouTube watching is on my iPhone or iPad but I do occasionally use my TV.
Glittering-Silver402@reddit
It’s quicker on my phone but sometimes if it’s music videos playing while I’m drinking, then TV for sure
Butimthedudeman@reddit
We like to multitask 😊 tv and laptop and phones all at once.
B_O_A_H@reddit
I exclusively watch YouTube on my TV through my PS4.
SkyBerry924@reddit
I watch on my tv while I’m gaming on my computer
TTdriver@reddit
About 40% or so is probably on TV for me.
wanzwan@reddit
Depends on what I am watching on YouTube. Taskmaster, yes the TV. Hot Ones, phone. GMM? TV, Drag Race’s Pit Stop? Phone. Idk why, it’s just how it is lol
Ok-Possibility-9826@reddit
currently doing so as we speak lol
earmares@reddit
I never have, but I tend to be behind on these kinds of things. I still prefer having it up close.
HectorsMascara@reddit
No, but I watch TV on YouTube.
Recent_Permit2653@reddit
I have a tv which can play YouTube, but it’s always been a computer thing for me. A TV is for television and movies lol it’s not supposed to be “smart”.
Queasy-Extension6465@reddit
More than half of my viewing is YouTube. Off gridders building homes of all sizes and materials.
lechydda@reddit
I never watch YouTube on my tv because I’m not addicted to the internet. I watch videos on my desktop usually, or my phone when I really want to see something away from home.
cntodd@reddit
I only watch on tv. If I'm on my computer, I'm playing a game or doing work. I don't watch hardly anything on my phone, but do use YouTube music on it.
vashtachordata@reddit
If it’s a video I want to show someone else in the house who is in the same room as me I’ll put it in the TV because then everyone can watch. If not I’ll just share a link to their phone.
I’m not a good demographic though. I watch very little YouTube.
RubGlum4395@reddit
Have been for 10+ years.
chicagoliz@reddit
My kid will watch YouTube on the television if the television is available, although he more frequently watches it on his phone.
I don't watch a ton of Youtube, but I mostly watch it on my computer. Occasionally I'll watch it on my tv, especially if it's a longer video, but that's probably like 10% of the time or less.
No_Salad_8766@reddit
When watching a longer video with others, ill do it on the TV. If im looking up how to do something quick or just scrolling through reels, thats on my phone. I hardly ever use my computer to watch YouTube. My coworker frequently watches YouTube on his computer though.
CowboysFTWs@reddit
Only YouTube I watch on tv is Sunday ticket
Puzzleheaded_Sir800@reddit
I probably use my tv about 95% of the time.
Major_Enthusiasm1099@reddit
According to a recent study yes. I personally watch YouTube on my TV all the time. I watch it more than any other streaming service.
Deolater@reddit
That's surprising to me, but I'm probably unusual
MrWednesday6387@reddit
My dad watches Youtube on the tv sometimes, but he doesn't have a smartphone. Personally, I think the tv app is terrible and I won't use it.
Goldfitz17@reddit
Currently watching smosh on my 55in tv while scrolling reddit during an ad. But yes.
Quick-Ostrich2020@reddit
No, most Americans do not watch YouTube on a TV.
Hummerville@reddit
I play on all those
AshtonCopernicus@reddit
I'll watch music videos on YouTube on my TV, but that's about it. Everything else is phone or laptop.
GolemThe3rd@reddit
I watch exclusively on laptop browser personally
nickheathjared@reddit
I do both but I don’t use YouTube all that much anymore in either.
gtrocks555@reddit
Very rarely for myself. Doesn’t mean I won’t though but YouTube has always been a “sit at my pc” thing. Normally on a second monitor while I work or play games.
LilacNites777@reddit
I don't... I use my phone
Dorsai56@reddit
Most of us have smart TV's by this point. I watch 90% of the Youtubes I see on PC or phone, but if there's one I want my wife to catch I'll probably run it on the TV where she is.
loraxgfx@reddit
A solid half of my YT watching is on TV.
JoganLC@reddit
If I'm in the living room and not on my desktop I'll watch youtube on my 75in TV over my iPhone.
Harp_167@reddit
Always use my phone
IPreferDiamonds@reddit
I use my laptop.
kjlsdjfskjldelfjls@reddit
Don't have a TV at my apartment, so I'm usually just on a laptop for that
Dottie85@reddit
I used to do it on my computer, now only on my phone.
Physical-Incident553@reddit
I don't have a TV, so I watch YT on iPhone, iPad, or laptop.
Optimal_Shirt6637@reddit
If it’s longer than a like 10 minutes I’m watching it on the TV
e430doug@reddit
iPad. Big portable screen. I can move around and watch.
ActuallyNiceIRL@reddit
If I'm at home, I'm probably watching on my TV, unless I'm laying in bed looking at my tablet.
jluvdc26@reddit
My son in his 20s watches almost all YouTube on his TV. I only watch it on my phone or computer.
morphine_sulfate@reddit
Every YouTube video is through my PS5 on TV.
ChaosTorpedo@reddit
I don’t watch much YouTube unless I’m specifically looking for a tutorial video. My husband watches YouTube a lot, and it’s split between his phone and a TV.
Carouselcolours@reddit
My family shares a premium youtube subscription. Why wouldn't I watch those videos on my tv?
Suitable-Hornet2797@reddit
I do
citrusandrosemary@reddit
I do.
More than half of what I watch is on YT. Most are gaming content creators. I watch on my Roku stick in my living room. I pay premium for no ads.
Reader124-Logan@reddit
Depends on the format of the program and who’s around. I don’t need to spend the entire time answering my boomer mom’s questions.
Grafakos@reddit
Yeah, I watch it mostly on my TV. Maybe a short one on my PC now and then if I'm looking up how to do something computer-related. Who the hell wants to watch a video on a phone?
DryFig511@reddit
I mostly watch on my iPad.
Cubejunky@reddit
50/50 between phone/tablet and TV.
nippleflick1@reddit
On my phone and TV.
emilyy1330@reddit
I have only ever watched YouTube on my phone. I like listening to videos podcast style though while walking, cooking, driving to work, etc.
ieatpuh@reddit
Nope, strictly my phone. I hate watching it on tv
Ellavemia@reddit
I don't know about most, but we do at my house.
suspiciousmightstall@reddit
yes, it's great background noise - and if you have premium for music they have great free movie options.
Michigander07@reddit
I have YouTube app on my tv, sometimes if there isn’t anything I want to watch I’ll watch YouTube while laying out on my couch. More comfortable than sitting at my pc.
kidthorazine@reddit
Usually only if I'm showing something to other people or occasionally having podcasts or something on as background noise. I could definitely see people doing that with autoplaying shorts too.
JeffTrav@reddit
I don’t watch YT on TV at all. I watch a lot of YT, but always on my phone or desktop at work.
BatterUp1600@reddit
I don’t have a tv. I watch on my laptop or my phone.
shelwood46@reddit
It depends on the content and length. Under 5 minutes? Only music? My phone or tablet or laptop are fine. More than 10 minutes? Mostly tv show content (talk show etc)? I am casting it to my tv, or using the YouTube app on my Roku. That frees up my phone/tablet/laptop for other things, and tvs are relatively cheap, why not send it to the tv when available? The speakers are way better (at least in my setup).
mrOwl_1312@reddit
YouTube on my tv is pretty much all I watch
_nousernamesleft_@reddit
I will watch TV shows from YouTube on my TV (that's how I watch Taskmaster for example) or sometimes if I'm hosting a party I'll put something cozy or otherwise on-theme on the tv but that's about it. Almost everything else from YouTube I'd watch on my phone or computer.
Cabala03@reddit
American here: I do both. I watch short videos on my phone and tablet but longer videos on TV.
existing_for_fun@reddit
If it's a video that only I will enjoy, it's on my PC or phone
If it's a video my wife and I want to watch together, it's the TV
If my wife is out with friends for the evening, I'll watch my vids on the TV.
If I'm busy with a project or working, I'll have YT playing in the background on my PC.
musing_codger@reddit
I'm about 20% PC, 1% phone, and the rest on a TV. I use an app on my streaming device called SmartTubeNext that filters out adds, sponsored content, credit sections, repeated intro sections, and stuff like that. Brilliant piece of software.
But I'm just me. I know lots of people that watch YouTube in lots of different ways.
8Pandemonium8@reddit
Most TVs have a youtube app on them now so yeah- So do internet streaming boxes like AppleTV and Amazon Fire Sticks.
Medium-Ad6276@reddit
I don't know about majority but I watch youtube in tv
km8907@reddit
I do and my parents do.
IngsocInnerParty@reddit
I do. Most people I know don’t really pay for TV service anymore, so YouTube is one of the things that fills that void.
IsopodKey2040@reddit
I have never watched Youtube on tv, always my laptop or a tablet. However my 12 year old nephew watches it on tv.