Streaming television

"Internet television" redirects here. Not to be confused with Internet Protocol television (a type of Internet-based streaming television service).
For digital distribution of short form series and shows, see Web series.
For streaming television supported by advertising, see Free ad-supported streaming television.

Streaming television is the digital distribution of television media content, such as films and series, 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).

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. It surpassed cable and network television viewing in 2025.

Of the top streaming platforms, Netflix had over 325 million subscribers as of December 2025, making it the most popular global streaming television platform.


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