Discover How British People Find New TV Shows
When it comes to discovering new TV shows, things have come a long way from flipping through the TV guide. Nowadays, the journey to find your next binge-watch often starts with a scroll through social media or a subtle recommendation from your favorite streaming platform. According to research data from YouGov Profiles, here’s how British adults who use Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ at least once a week are finding out about new shows.
Word of mouth is a powerful force, especially among women and millennials, with 68% and 69% respectively relying on personal recommendations. Gen Z and Millennials turn to social media more, with 56% and 57%, respectively, finding new shows this way. When it comes to streaming platform suggestions, Gen X and Millennials lead the way at 53%, compared to 42% for Gen Z.
Women tend to lean more towards recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues, with 68% discovering new shows this way, compared to 56% of men. On the other hand, men are more likely to use viewing suggestions from streaming services, at 48% for men versus 51% for women.
Social media has become a mainstream channel for discovering new TV shows, with similar numbers of men (42%) and women (43%) finding new shows through platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Trailers still hold their ground as a popular way to discover new shows, with 39% of men and 38% of women turning to them.
Each generation has its unique approach to finding new TV shows. Gen Z is the most socially driven group, with 56% discovering new shows through social media. Millennials rely heavily on personal recommendations (69%), social media (57%), and streaming platform suggestions (53%). Gen X takes a more balanced approach, with 65% relying on recommendations from friends and family and 53% on platform suggestions.
No matter the generation, recommendations from friends and family remain a constant factor in discovering new shows. Younger viewers gravitate towards social platforms, while older viewers trust streaming services and traditional cues like trailers. Overall, personal recommendations continue to play a key role in helping viewers discover their next favorite TV show.
