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50% of Tablet Owners watch TV Shows and Videos on Their Device

Over the past few years, tablets have become more than just oversized phones or mini laptops. They’ve quietly taken a front-row seat in how we consume entertainment—especially when it comes to watching TV shows and videos. In fact, data shows that nearly half of all tablet owners regularly use their devices to watch video content.

That’s not just a stat—it’s a window into how media habits are shifting. And if you’re in the business of creating content, marketing apps, or even building products for entertainment, this matters more than you might think.


The Tablet Viewing Boom: Why It’s Happening

So why are tablets becoming go-to devices for video?

Simple. They sit right in the sweet spot between the tiny screen of a phone and the bulky footprint of a TV or laptop. You can lounge on the couch, prop a tablet up on a table, or binge a show in bed without juggling a charger, keyboard, or remote.

Most tablets today also offer:

  • Larger, high-resolution displays

  • Better battery life than smartphones

  • A dedicated media consumption ecosystem (thanks to apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)

And with more people working from home or turning to streaming for everyday entertainment, Tablets have become personalized TV screens, much like how tablet owners increasingly consume games and music too.


What the Numbers Say

Let’s look at the data behind this trend.

A recent survey by The Diffusion Group found that 89% of tablet users watch video content, and nearly 50% say they use their tablet primarily for watching TV shows and movies. That’s a massive behavioral shift compared to just a decade ago, when tablets were mostly considered productivity tools or reading devices.

According to Statista, watching video is now one of the top 3 activities for tablet owners—right behind browsing the web and checking email.

In homes with kids, tablet video usage jumps—especially for child-focused streaming platforms.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 80% of households with kids own at least one tablet, and in most of those homes, streaming cartoons or educational content is a daily routine.


Who’s Doing the Watching? (Hint: It’s Not Just Kids)

While it’s easy to assume tablets are just for kids and classrooms, the actual demographics are broader than that.

Tablet video consumption is high among:

  • Adults aged 18–49 – particularly commuters and remote workers

  • Students and young professionals – who use tablets for both study and streaming

  • Parents – who use tablets as entertainment tools for their children

  • Seniors – who enjoy the large screen and simple interface

The versatility of the tablet screen makes it appealing across generations.


Tablets vs. Other Screens: What Makes Them Stand Out

When you compare tablets to smartphones, TVs, and laptops, each screen serves a different purpose.

Device TypeBest ForLimitations
TVFull-scale viewing, family useNot portable, fixed in one room
LaptopWork + entertainment comboHeavier, shorter battery life
PhoneOn-the-go video, short clipsSmall screen, quick battery drain
TabletCasual, personal viewingSweet spot of size, comfort, and ease

This “middle ground” makes tablets especially valuable for solo binge-watching, YouTube surfing, or even watching TV in bed without disturbing anyone else.


What This Means for App Developers and Streamers

If you’re in the content or tech business, this shift in behavior opens up some serious opportunities.

1. Optimize Your App for Tablets

Many video apps still feel like stretched-out phone interfaces. That’s a mistake. Users expect a tablet-optimized experience—bigger UI elements, better control schemes, split-screen capabilities, and smoother playback.

2. Localize for Diverse Markets

Streaming is global. If half your viewers are on tablets, you’ll want to make sure your app works flawlessly in portrait and landscape mode and supports multilingual subtitles, regional content, and local payment systems.

3. Tailor Ads for Touchscreens

Tablet users are more likely to interact with content, especially ads. This is your chance to create immersive experiences—think swipe-able product carousels, mini trailers, or “tap to learn more” CTAs.


Streaming Platforms Are Already Adapting

Major players like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video have quietly redesigned their interfaces to better serve tablet users.

For example:

  • Netflix allows offline downloads on tablets, which is perfect for travel or long commutes.

  • YouTube has enhanced picture-in-picture mode, so users can keep watching while browsing.

  • Hulu and others are testing interactive content, optimized for touchscreen gestures.

Tablets aren’t just a secondary screen anymore—they’re becoming a primary platform for millions of users.


What About the Future of Tablet Video Consumption?

As hardware gets better and data plans become more affordable, expect this trend to accelerate. Features like OLED displays, 5G connectivity, and extended battery life are already making tablets even more appealing for daily video use.

Combine that with cloud gaming, streaming bundles, and AI-powered recommendations, and tablets could very well become the preferred media device for Gen Z and beyond.

The fact that 50% of tablet owners use their device to watch TV shows and videos isn’t just a fun stat—it’s a signal. A signal that the living room is no longer the only place where “TV” happens.

If you’re a content creator, app developer, or digital marketer, ignoring this audience means missing out on one of the fastest-growing screens in the market. Tablets are private, portable, and preferred—and that’s exactly why they’re becoming the new entertainment default.

Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell is a seasoned American journalist and tech expert focused on mobile and desktop apps, software development, and cybersecurity. Owner of 148apps.biz, a leading platform for app reviews and industry trends. Based in San Francisco, Ethan shapes the tech conversation with his forward-thinking analysis.

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