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How popular is the YouTube app on TVs?

In preparation for IAB NewFronts and Upfronts, Google and YouTube highlight the importance of big screen advertising via YouTube.

The way millions of people around the world watch television has changed dramatically over the past decade. Connected TVs and streaming services allow consumers to watch what they want, when they want. That, in turn, means viewers — not networks — determine what’s popular. YouTube, bridging the gap between linear television and digital, positions itself as “the main stream” with its coverage of all forms, including short films, live streams or video on demand. In a blog, Google reports impressive numbers for YouTube’s popularity on TVs, ahead of IAB NewFronts and Upfronts, the annual market for digital video and TV ad sales.

  • “YouTube is […] the best ad-supported streaming platform »
  • “YouTube has reached more than 135 million people on Smart TVs in the US in December 2021″
  • “YouTube represents more than 50% of ad-supported streaming viewing time on connected TVs among people aged 18+”
  • More than 35% YouTube CTV viewers 18+ cannot be reached by any other ad-supported streaming service”

You’ll be able to catch the YouTube Brandcast live stream, featuring top creators and musical talent, during the week of Upfronts on May 17 at 8 p.m. ET.

As a founding member of IAB NewFronts, YouTube has accompanied us on a decade-long journey to shape the future of streaming. That future is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them again to bring their content, creators, and community to NewFronts audiences.

David Cohen, CEO, IAB


RouteNote works with YouTube to help independent artists around the world upload and monetize their content to YouTube Content ID, YouTube Shorts, and YouTube Music for free.