Streaming Overload: Why We Spend 110 Hours a Year Looking for Something to Watch

Ever spent what feels like forever scrolling through endless streaming platforms only to end up thinking, “There’s nothing on”? You’re not alone.

The average person spends 110 hours a year navigating through streaming services but still struggles to find something they want to watch.

The Struggle of Streaming Overload!

While streaming services were once a dream come true, giving us access to a vast library of shows and movies, they’ve now turned into a bit of a nightmare for many.

According to a survey by Talker Research for UserTesting - the more than one in five people believe it’s harder to find something to watch today compared to 10 years ago. Why? It’s all about too much content and too little time.

As more and more original content gets produced, subscribers report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available. From Netflix’s endless new shows to Disney+’s growing library, it can be hard to know where to even start. It's content overload, and many feel like it's eating up precious time without ever finding the perfect show.

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Algorithm Anxiety: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Here’s the twist: While streaming algorithms are pretty good at recommending shows you might like (75% of people agree), the suggestions can quickly feel like too much.

More than half of people admit that they find the sheer amount of recommended content overwhelming. It’s a double-edged sword: you want to watch everything that’s recommended, but you just don’t have the time (or energy) to keep up.

The Streaming Preference Shift

Another interesting trend? Nearly half of people no longer subscribe to traditional cable. Instead, they’ve opted for streaming platforms because of the variety, convenience, and the fact that many of their favourite shows just aren’t available through cable. Streaming gives the flexibility of watching on the go, and it’s a nice break from expensive cable bills.

What We Want in a Dream Streaming Platform

If given the chance, what would the perfect streaming service look like? According to the study, people want all premium channels and networks rolled into one, with no extra cost. A sleek, easy-to-navigate interface is also a must. And if you’re wondering how much people are willing to pay for all this magic? The ideal streaming package would cost about $46 per month—a far cry from the mountain of fees we’re already paying!

So, what’s the takeaway here? As streaming services grow, so does our frustration. Maybe it’s time for these platforms to rethink their approach and offer us more than just endless content. How much longer can we scroll through the endless options before we hit play... or just give up entirely?