Over half of 18-24 year olds watch TV online once a week

There has been a significant increase in the number of young people watching television online, according to new research from YouGov’s Media Consulting team.

The research found that over half of 18-24 year olds (55%) watch TV online at least once a week, compared to only 12% of over 55s.

Out of those respondents who view TV online, only 9% are watching less now compared to a year ago, while 6 times as many people (54%) are watching more TV online.

And 36% of 18-24s and 30% of 25-34s expect to watch more television via the internet in future.

James Kennedy, research executive in YouGov’s Media Consulting team, said: “The music world was revolutionised with the introduction of downloading sites such as Napster and consumers switching from going out and purchasing CD’s to downloading free (illegal) music to their computers.

“This transformation could now be shifting to the world of television.”

YouGov interviewed 2,064 British adults, including 828 who watch TV online. All interviews were conducted between 2 and 12 April using YouGov’s online panel.