19 JAN 2021

NIELSEN ANNOUNCES TOP STREAMING TITLES OF 2020

The researcher noted that the outcome of the pandemic reflects a permanently altered media market as video streaming accounting for a larger share of overall media consumption following theater closures, sports event suspensions, among other changes.

19 JAN 2021

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In an analysis report detailing the top streaming content of 2020, Nielsen noted that last year marked a transitional year for streaming video resulting from the pandemic. The analyst and measurement firm noted that the massive spikes in media usage were expected considering stay-at-home restrictions that were implemented all over the world. The result of these changes has seen video streaming accounting for a larger share of overall media consumption than in previous years.

The researcher highlighted originals such as “Ozark,” “The Boys” and “The Mandalorian” as some of the top titles of 2020 due to effective advertising. Viewers binged nearly 30.5 billion minutes of “Ozark” through a total of 28 episodes. Consumers watched more than 57 billion minutes of “The Office,” which ended its run on Netflix in December, covering 192 episodes.

The report also indicates that an influx of new subscribers were not only attracted to originals produced by streaming platforms, but also by the classic titles they offer. “While original content can generate buzz and draw in audiences, library content is what viewers find comfort in, watch casually and often return to,” Nielsen said. “They’re the shows that viewers will turn to, as they already have established connections with audiences and provide easy viewing, especially when the hunt for new content to binge may be daunting.”

The analysis also found that outside of episodic programming, the trends were much different, as eight of the top 10 films in terms of minutes watched on SVOD platforms in 2020 were kids’ titles. This was said to have helped land titles like”Frozen II,” “Moana,” “Secret Life of Pets 2” and “Onward” into this year’s top 10 list, with each attracting viewership of between 8.3 billion and nearly 15 billion minutes each. at home when they would traditionally be away at school.

Overall, Nielsen concluded that in 2020 streaming platforms served as a lifeline for titles originally intended for theater premiers before the pandemic hit. The report also reflects that streaming services are enabling new options for the film industry following TV disruptions.