A new survey conducted by Cord Cutters News has revealed a seismic shift in the streaming landscape, with 43% of cord cutters reporting that they watch YouTube more than any other streaming platform. This growing preference for YouTube is raising alarm bells for major paid streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and others, as American viewers increasingly gravitate toward free, ad-supported platforms.
The survey, which polled cord cutters across the United States, highlights YouTube’s dominance in the cord-cutting era. Respondents cited the platform’s vast content library, ease of access, and zero subscription costs as key reasons for its appeal. From user-generated videos to premium content and live TV offerings, YouTube has become a one-stop shop for entertainment, news, and education, outpacing competitors in viewer preference.
This trend poses a significant challenge for subscription-based streaming giants. Services like Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix rely on monthly fees to deliver ad-free or ad-light experiences, but the survey suggests a growing number of Americans are unwilling to pay for them. Instead, cord cutters are embracing free, ad-supported streaming services (FASTs), with YouTube leading the pack as the largest and most popular platform in this category. Other FAST platforms like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel are also gaining traction, but none match YouTube’s scale or cultural footprint.
The shift toward free platforms is part of a broader trend of cost-conscious viewing habits. As inflation and subscription fatigue set in, many Americans are reevaluating the value of paying for multiple streaming services. The survey found that 63% of respondents had canceled at least one paid streaming subscription in the past year, citing high costs and overlapping content libraries. Meanwhile, YouTube’s ad-supported model, coupled with its optional YouTube Premium tier, offers flexibility that resonates with budget-minded viewers.
For services like Disney+ and HBO Max, the rise of YouTube and other FAST platforms presents a dual threat: declining subscriber numbers and reduced viewer engagement. Industry analysts warn that these services may need to rethink their strategies, potentially introducing lower-cost, ad-supported tiers or partnering with platforms like YouTube to stay competitive.
As cord-cutting continues to reshape the media landscape, YouTube’s lead underscores a pivotal moment for the industry. With 41% of cord cutters choosing it over paid alternatives, the platform is not just a streaming service but a cultural force redefining how Americans consume entertainment.
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