CEO Neal Mohan writes that the TV is now the ‘primary device’ for watching YouTube in the US.
It’s official: YouTube has become the ultimate big-screen experience. According to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, viewers now spend more time watching YouTube on their televisions than on their phones. In fact, the platform sees over 1 billion hours of YouTube content streamed daily on TVs—a staggering milestone that solidifies its dominance in the world of digital entertainment.
For the past two years, YouTube has maintained its reign as the most-watched streaming service in the US, according to Nielsen data. This achievement is no accident. YouTube has strategically transformed its TV app into a robust, user-friendly streaming service, making it an appealing alternative to traditional cable and other on-demand platforms.
The Evolution of YouTube as a TV Powerhouse
YouTube’s success on television screens is largely due to its continuous innovations. The company has made key improvements that enhance the overall viewing experience, bringing it closer to what people expect from premium streaming services.
A Redesigned Interface for Seamless Viewing
Last year, YouTube introduced an upgraded layout for its TV app, ensuring a more interactive and immersive experience. The new design allows users to pull up video descriptions and comments on the right side of the screen while continuing to watch content on the left—bringing the interactive nature of YouTube to the big screen.
Better Organization with “Seasons”
One of YouTube’s most significant enhancements is the introduction of seasons for video series. This feature makes it easier for users to navigate through episodic content, just like they would on platforms like Netflix or Hulu. Whether it’s a web series, educational content, or a documentary collection, viewers can now seamlessly binge-watch content in an organized manner.
A More Interactive Viewing Experience
YouTube has also embraced real-time interaction by introducing the Watch With feature, allowing creators to provide live commentary on major events, games, and trending moments. This brings an engaging, social element to the platform, making it more than just a passive viewing experience.
The ‘New’ Television: More Than Just Traditional Content
Neal Mohan highlights an important shift in viewing habits, stating, “For more and more people, watching TV means watching YouTube. But the ‘new’ television doesn’t look like the ‘old’ television. It’s interactive and includes things like Shorts, podcasts, and live streams, right alongside sports, sitcoms, and talk shows.”
YouTube has effectively blended traditional TV formats with modern, digital-native content. Here’s what makes YouTube TV unique:
- YouTube Shorts on TV: Yes, short-form content isn’t just for mobile anymore. Users are watching Shorts on their big screens, proving that even bite-sized videos have a place in the living room.
- Podcasts on the Big Screen: YouTube has evolved into a leading podcast platform, and its integration into the TV experience gives audiences another way to engage with long-form discussions and storytelling.
- Live Streams That Feel Like TV: From gaming to breaking news, live streams have become a core part of YouTube’s appeal, rivaling traditional broadcasts.
YouTube TV and Premium: A Growing Subscriber Base
Beyond its free content, YouTube’s subscription-based services continue to gain traction.
- YouTube TV: The company’s live TV streaming service has surpassed 8 million subscribers—a testament to its growing popularity despite a recent price hike.
- YouTube Premium & Music: Premium subscriptions, including YouTube Music, have now exceeded 100 million users (including trial accounts), marking a significant milestone for the platform’s ad-free and music streaming services.
Mohan has assured users that YouTube will continue refining fan-favorite YouTube TV features such as Key Plays and Multiview, while also introducing new perks for YouTube Premium members in the near future.
The Future of YouTube on TV
With its massive TV viewership, YouTube is not just a video-sharing platform anymore—it’s a mainstream entertainment hub. As the lines between traditional television and digital streaming continue to blur, YouTube is well on its way to redefining what it means to “watch TV.”
As YouTube continues to innovate and expand its reach, one thing is clear: the future of television is interactive, diverse, and increasingly YouTube-centric.
