Multicultural audiences voted 'Cocomelon and 'Moana,' the most streamed titles of all time in a year that was a landmark year for content

As we look across the broad and deep menu of video entertainment offerings in the U.S. today, it’s challenging to remember a life without streaming. But it was only nine years ago (Feb. 1, 2013) that Netflix launched its very first original series, House of Cards, and others soon followed. Until then, Netflix had been operating as a distributor of acquired content, which today still drives tremendous engagement on the platform.

Netflix’s 2016 debut of Stranger Things marked another milestone along the streaming journey, given its incredibly broad appeal. There was something for almost everyone, from sci-fi and horror, to the retro appeal of the 80s, to the group of kids stirring up trouble while coming of age. While programs that attract a wide range of audiences have always been an effective way to drive viewership, streaming platforms are developing programming to differentiate themselves and attract more niche audiences, similar to how the cable networks were able to differentiate themselves over previous decades. 

It’s this type of content that engaged audiences in 2021, as we take a deeper dive into Nielsen’s recently released Streaming Unwrapped 2021 data.

In looking at the bevy of content available to viewers in 2021, Squid Game is a clear standout. First, it was the second-most viewed original series of the year, with nearly 16.5 billion minutes streamed on the list. Among male viewers, however, it moves up to first place. Among women, it falls to fifth (behind Lucifer, Great British Baking Show, Virgin River and Bridgerton). But the Squid Game audience became more sharply defined when we look at engagement among different age groups.

Brian Fuhrer, Nielsen’s SVP of Product Strategy and Thought Leadership, offers some perspective on these top streaming programs of 2021.

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By: William Quinn
Title: In a breakthrough year for content, multicultural audiences crown ‘Cocomelon’ and ‘Moana’ among the most streamed titles ever
Sourced From: www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2022/in-a-breakthrough-year-for-content-multicultural-audiences-crown-cocomelon-and-moana-among-the-most-streamed-titles-ever/
Published Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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