Streaming television

Streaming television is the digital distribution of television media content, such as series and films, over Internet-based streaming media platforms. In contrast to over-the-air, cable, and satellite transmissions, or IPTV service, streaming television is provided as over-the-top media (OTT). Television content includes productions made by or for OTT services, and acquired by them with licensing agreements. The length of a streaming television series episode can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes (some episodes may be longer). Similar to the running time of theatrical films, the average length of a film licensed or produced by a streaming platform is 90 to 120 minutes.

Streaming television is available via paid subscription or as free ad-supported service. By 2023, streaming television represented 38% of global TV viewing with 1.8 billion subscriptions to streaming platforms. In 2024, streaming television became "the dominant form of TV viewing" in the United States.