Streaming services YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video reach unprecedented viewing heights in December, according to Nielsen data.
In December 2024, streaming viewership in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 43.4% of total television usage, according to Nielsen's The Gauge report[1]. This marked a significant increase from previous months and signified a continuing shift towards streaming platforms.
Among the top streaming platforms, YouTube led all media distributors, with a record 12.8% share of TV usage by June 2025[3]. Netflix was also among the top three, accounting for 8.3% of total TV usage in June 2025, demonstrating strong growth with a 13.5% increase in viewership month-over-month[2][3]. Disney, including ABC affiliates, held a significant position, coming in second behind YouTube in June 2025 with a substantial viewing share gap of about 2.8 percentage points from YouTube[3].
Although specific December 2024 percentages for other streamers like Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, or Hulu were not available in the cited sources[1][2][3], it can be inferred that these platforms likely had close to or a bit less than the June 2025 figures.
Max saw the largest monthly viewing increase among all streaming platforms, with a 18% increase in December 2024, due to popular shows like "The Big Bang Theory", "Friends", and "Dune: Prophecy". Meanwhile, Prime Video reached a platform-best 4.0% share of TV, driven by hosting NFL "Thursday Night Football" games, the holiday blockbuster film "Red One", and the new reality series "Beast Games". "Beast Games" on Prime Video garnered over 700 million viewing minutes across its first three episodes.
Other notable findings from the December 2024 report include a 4% month-over-month increase in overall viewing, two days exceeding 100 billion TV viewing minutes (thanks to Thanksgiving and Christmas), and a 17% increase in sports viewership for the broadcast category and a 29% increase for the cable category.
Broadcast viewing accounted for 22.4% of total TV viewing, while cable held a 23.8% share of December TV watch time. YouTube viewing increased by 7% in December, accounting for a record 11.1% share of TV usage.
In conclusion, streaming platforms continued to dominate the television landscape in December 2024, with YouTube, Netflix, and Disney leading the way. The report also highlighted the growing popularity of streaming services, with streaming accounting for 43.4% of total TV viewing, and the continued increase in sports viewership during the holiday season.
[1] Nielsen. (2024). The Gauge report, December 2024. [Link] [2] Nielsen. (2025). The Gauge report, January 2025. [Link] [3] Nielsen. (2025). The Gauge report, June 2025. [Link]
- The 'Gauge' report by Nielsen revealed that streaming platforms accounted for a staggering 43.4% of total television usage in December 2024.
- Among the leading streaming platforms, YouTube held the top position with a record 12.8% share of TV usage in June 2025.
- Despite specific December 2024 percentages not being available, it can be inferred that streamers like Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, or Hulu likely had viewership figures close to or slightly less than June 2025 figures.
- The 'Gauge' report also noted a significant increase in sports viewership for both the broadcast and cable categories during the holiday season, with a 17% and 29% increase respectively.
