Survey: One-Third See Streaming as the Most Important Service During Lockdown

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July 10, 2020 Topic: Technology Region: Americas Blog Brand: Coronavirus Tags: StreamingHome EntertainmentCoronavirusCOVID-19Lockdown

Survey: One-Third See Streaming as the Most Important Service During Lockdown

Netflix and chill is one of the few options people have.

When asked how they’re best getting through the coronavirus shutdowns, a full one-third of Americans called streaming the most popular technology—and most of them subscribe to more than one service.

That’s according to a survey released this week by Express VPN, who surveyed “1,200 American adults currently confined at home.”

Beyond streaming, 21% of those surveyed named social media apps as their “go-to option for entertainment,” while 17% listed online shopping. Another 13% listed Zoom and Google Hangouts.

As to Netflix specifically, 23% of those surveyed said Netflix has “helped boost their mental health,” while 21% of Netflix subscribers say they would “rather shut themselves off from the outside world than give up the app.”

According to Express VPN’s survey, 40% of Netflix subscribers have signed up for additional services since lockdowns started in mid-March. Aside from Netflix, the most popular streaming services are Hulu (44%), Disney+ (35%), Amazon Prime Video (31%), YouTube TV (27%), and Apple TV+ (21%.) Another 31% said they are “keen to subscribe” to Peacock, the new streaming service launched next week from Comcast.

Not mentioned in the survey is Quibi, the short form streaming service launched back in April which, according to a report this week, has failed to retain more than 90% of the customers who signed up for free trials at launch.

“While consumers are trying out multiple new streaming services during the lockdowns, the real challenge comes in retaining consumers after they’ve signed up. A previous survey we did shows that at least a third of consumers are likely to cancel their subscriptions within six months,” Harold Li, vice president, ExpressVPN, said in a statement.

Netflix, last month, was chosen by Tom’s Guide as the best available streaming service, “thanks to its enormous library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, comedy specials, kids programming and—most importantly—acclaimed and buzzworthy originals.”

ExpressVPN is a firm that offers virtual private networks.

Stephen Silver, a technology writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

Image: Reuters