Streaming television

Streaming television is the digital distribution of television media content, such as series and films, over Internet-based streaming media platforms. In contrast to over-the-air, cable, and satellite transmissions, or IPTV service, streaming television is provided as over-the-top media (OTT). Television content includes productions made by or for OTT services, and acquired by them with licensing agreements. The length of a streaming television series episode can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes (some episodes may be longer). Similar to the running time of theatrical films, the average length of a film licensed or produced by a streaming platform is 90 to 120 minutes. Streaming television is available via paid subscription or as free ad-supported service. By 2023, streaming television represented 38% of global TV viewing with 1.8 billion subscriptions to streaming platforms. In 2024, streaming television became "the dominant form of TV viewing" in the United States. It surpassed cable and network television viewing in 2025. Of the top streaming platforms, Netflix had over 325 million subscribers as of December 2025, making it the most popular global streaming television service.