TikTok overtakes Youtube for average watch time for the first time in the US and UK. However, Youtube still stands on top as the dominant online streaming platform. Youtube enjoys the advantage due to the volume of users across mobile and desktop.
A new report on recent data activity suggests that ByteDance owned TikTok has surpassed Google owned Youtube in average watch time in the US and UK. The video giant Youtube has an estimated 2 billion monthly users whereas TikTok has mere 700 million in comparison.
The report contains data which was derived only from Android phones and does not take into account the userbase or viewership in China. China is TikTok’s home market where it reigns supreme due to the volume of users. Another reason being the ban on Youtube in China leaving the competitor out.
In the UK, TikTok‘s average view time exceeded that of Youtube since June 2020. The lead has grown in the time since. Whereas in the US, Youtube held the leads until April 2021. TikTok‘s average view surpassed Google’s video streaming service.
YouTube’s new TikTok-like “Shorts” is undoubtedly a reactionary switch to ensure that it remains the biggest in online video. Short-form video has grown in popularity as TikTok filled the void left by previous efforts such as Vine. Vine offered six-second long clips but struggled with monetization on the platform.
YouTube Shorts began testing in India before rolling out across the globe. In recent months with the US gaining access to the new 60-second TikTok type video content in early May. It’s integrated into the main YouTube app on Android and iOS, with the ability to create from your smartphone.
(image taken from Wikimedia Common and edited by Shashank Kumar)
