The platform is celebrating its 20th birthday.
YouTube’s Evolution: Dominating TV Viewership and Introducing ‘Watch With’ Feature
YouTube, the world’s leading video-sharing platform, has undergone significant transformations over the past two decades. As of early 2025, a notable shift in user behavior has emerged: more individuals are accessing YouTube via television screens than through mobile devices. This trend underscores YouTube’s strategic focus on enhancing the television viewing experience.
Surge in TV Viewership
Recent data reveals a substantial increase in YouTube’s television viewership. CEO Neal Mohan announced that users are now watching over a billion hours of content daily on TV screens. This marks a significant milestone, as television has surpassed mobile devices in terms of watch time, becoming the primary medium for YouTube consumption in the United States.
Strategic Enhancements to TV Experience
To cater to this growing audience, YouTube has implemented several enhancements to its TV platform:
- Interactive Features: The TV app now allows viewers to access video comments and descriptions alongside the video, enriching the viewing experience.
- Content Organization: Introduction of ‘seasons’ enables users to navigate series of videos seamlessly using a remote control.
- ‘Watch With’ Feature: This innovative tool allows creators to provide live commentary and reactions during games and events, fostering a more interactive and engaging experience. Initially tested with NFL content, YouTube plans to expand this feature to other types of content throughout the year.
YouTube’s Position in the Streaming Landscape
According to Nielsen data, YouTube has maintained its position as the most-watched streaming service in the U.S. for the past two years. This achievement highlights YouTube’s dominance in the streaming industry and its ability to adapt to evolving user preferences.
Conclusion
YouTube’s strategic enhancements to its television platform, coupled with innovative features like ‘Watch With,’ demonstrate its commitment to providing a superior viewing experience. As user preferences continue to evolve, YouTube’s focus on interactive and engaging content positions it as a leader in the streaming industry.
For a visual overview of YouTube’s new features, you might find the following video informative:
