Report: More Americans Sucked into Online Video than Ever Before

Sneezing baby panda gif

Sneezing baby panda gif

More Americans are spending their time watching, downloading and uploading videos online than ever before. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, the amount of internet users uploading videos to the Web is surging: while in 2009 14% of U.S. adults had uploaded videos online, in 2013 that rate has doubled to 31%. This number includes 18% of users who have uploaded videos they created or recorded themselves. What’s more, 78% of adults in the U.S. watch or download videos online, up from 69% in 2009. Pew also reported that those most likely to watch or download online videos are between the ages of 18 and 29, are college-educated and have an annual household income of at least $75,000.

78% of american adults watch or download video online

1 in three americans have uploaded video online and 1 in 4 have posted original content

 

Why Are People Using Online Videos More Often?

Cell phones appear to be a big enabler of the rising trends of online videos. In May 2013, 91% of Americans owned a cell phone. For almost half of those cell phone owners, videos were a common activity: 41% used their cell phones to record videos, 40% to watch videos and 20% to post videos online.

Cell phones and recording, watching and posting videos online

As online video trends continue to rise, so too does the rate of social networking. In 2013 72% of American adults reported that they use social networking sites, which in turn encourages people to share still more videos online.

chart of the rise of social networking use among american adults

 

What Kinds of Videos Are People Posting?

Of those who post their own videos online, most post videos of non-scripted content featuring ordinary people and things. 58% of users uploaded videos featuring friends and family doing everyday things; 56% uploaded videos featuring videos of themselves or others doing funny things; and 54% uploaded videos of an event they attended such as a concert or sporting event. 45% of those who uploaded videos to the Web posted videos of animals; 40% uploaded videos that mix content and material in a creative way; and 30% uploaded educational or tutorial videos.

What types of video American adults upload

 
For more information on growing online video trends, check out the Pew Research Center’s report video:

 
Have you ever uploaded a video to the internet? What did your video feature?

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.

Leave a comment