Netflix streaming usage is up 72% since the coronavirus pandemic began. This is according to the market research company The NPD Group. The findings show users in states like New York, Connecticut and New Jersey had the highest increase in viewership, thanks to stricter shelter-in-place orders.
During the week of March 16, Americans streamed more than 156 billion minutes of content during the week of March 16, up 36% from three weeks earlier, before social distancing restrictions took effect, according to Nielsen.
The streaming giant had an unprecedented amount of growth in Q1 adding 15.8 million subscribers worldwide, more than doubling its projected increase of 7 million subscribers for the quarter. Netflix is ending the period with nearly 183 million subscribers total, a 22.8% increase from last year.
“While entertainment is not essential for survival, it’s still an essential way to stay sane, while people shelter at home,” said John Buffone, executive director, industry analyst at The NPD Group. “There have been notable streaming video preference shifts toward escapist titles and family programming that viewers are bingeing on to keep themselves entertained.”
Netflix also reported quarterly revenue of $5.77 billion, after estimating $5.76 billion in revenue.
We’ll share more updates when Netflix begins their Quarter 1 Earnings Call later today.
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