Key findings:
Seven in ten UK adults (70%) watch broadcast TV (live or on demand) content at least weekly, compared with 67% who use social media and 64% who use streaming platforms.TV viewing increases from 49% among 18–24-year-olds to 81% among adults aged 55 and over, while social media usage falls from 86% to 52% across the same age groups.The BBC is the most-used individual media platform, with 62% of UK adults who consume media consuming it weekly, followed by Netflix at 55%.Nearly one in five media consumers (19%) typically spend more than four hours per day on media activities.
Television, streaming services, social media and online video have become embedded in everyday life, shaping how people consume information and entertainment.
New YouGov Surveys research explores how UK adults consume media, how much time they spend doing so, and the extent to which they believe media affects their ability to concentrate.
UK media consumption trends: TV, social media and streaming lead in 2026
Seven in ten UK adults consume TV content at least weekly (70%), making it the most commonly used media format. Social media (67%) and streaming platforms (64%) follow closely behind.
Media habits vary significantly by age. TV consumption rises steadily with age, from 49% among 18–24-year-olds to 81% among over-55s. Social media shows the opposite trend, reaching 86% of 18-24s and 83% of 25-34s, compared with 52% of those aged 55 and over. Women are more likely than men to use social media weekly (72% vs. 63%).