Title: Streaming Subscribers Spend 110 Hours Annually Searching for Something Worth Watching
A recent survey by UserTesting and conducted by Talker Research exposes the frustration of streaming viewers, revealing that the average person spends 110 hours per year, nearly five full days, scrolling through streaming platforms in search of something to watch. One in five subscribers believe it’s harder to find something to watch now than it was a decade ago due to the overwhelming abundance of content.
The survey, which surveyed 2,000 American adults who subscribe to at least one streaming service, found that the average subscriber spends 35 hours per month searching for something to watch. Two-thirds of respondents have struggled to find something to watch, while 41 percent struggle with large content libraries and 26 percent think there is an overproduction of original content.
Respondents’ satisfaction with current streaming services is also dubious. Although 75% appreciate algorithms for providing recommendations, 51% still feel overwhelmed by the suggestions. When asked about preferred features, 40 percent wanted premium channels and networks at no additional cost, while 39 percent thought an easy-to-navigate interface was essential.
Meanwhile, traditional TV is fading away, with 48% of subscribers having ditched cable television. To stay loyal, subscribers sought specific features, including transparent pricing and easy content finding. When encountering hidden fees, viewers responded dramatically – 73% looked elsewhere, 77% tuned out, and 37% considered canceling the service. One in five would even sign up for a free trial to get the desired content.
The researchers found that the design and user experience of streaming services play a significant role, with 52 percent linking the interface to their decision to subscribe. The pressure is on streaming services to balance content abundance with transparency and accessibility to keep satisfied subscribers.
