Turkey has witnessed a historic shift in television viewing habits: for the first time, YouTube has surpassed traditional satellite broadcasting in total viewing time.
According to a study conducted by Vestel, YouTube accounted for 43 percent of total viewing time in July and August 2025, overtaking satellite channels, which fell to 36 percent. This marks the first time a digital platform has taken the lead in screen time in Turkey.
Similar trends in Europe and the US
The trend is consistent worldwide. Nielsen’s 2025 data shows that YouTube has ranked first in the United States for three consecutive months in television screen viewing time. In the United Kingdom, Ofcom data reveals that YouTube is the most-watched platform on TV screens after the BBC.
Across Europe, the share of traditional broadcasting continues to decline as audiences increasingly favor the freedom to choose content and the appeal of personalized recommendations.
