UK viewers over the age of 55 watched almost twice as much YouTube final yr as they did in 2023, with 42% of them watching on a TV, based on a survey by the communications regulator Ofcom.
Right here, six individuals over 50 describe why they like YouTube and the way it compares with the published TV they grew up with.
‘YouTube could be very private and you’re feeling concerned’
YouTube is stuffed with hidden gems and plenty of movies are made by bizarre individuals. There’s a lot extra on provide in a single place than different streaming providers or broadcast channels. Additionally, some streaming channels might be troublesome to navigate to search out what you need. In the mean time, I’m actually having fun with response movies. One in every of my favourites is Regeneration Nation TV the place an American duo react to music, comedians and TV exhibits like Fawlty Towers. They’re enjoyable to observe and you’re feeling concerned. I additionally suppose it’s useful for individuals who really feel lonely – it’s nearly just like the individuals in these movies are with you. I used to work as a volunteer for the Samaritans so I can perceive loneliness. I really feel YouTube fills a necessity that different providers don’t. It’s very private and is a spot the place you could find something, and sometimes discover what you’re in search of.
Lloyd , 62, disabled and unemployed, Kent
‘Terrestrial TV simply feels old style’
YouTube gives a lot content material that aligns with my pursuits and hobbies together with music, pictures, science and film evaluations. To not point out it’s all on demand and far of it’s out there in bite-size kind (15 to twenty minutes). For dramas and movies, I exploit streaming providers. Now in my late 50s, I additionally actually worth YouTube’s treasure trove of stay music performances – there’s all the time one thing new or nostalgic to find. There may be simply nothing on conventional TV that comes anyplace near the selection and area of interest topics that I can discover on YouTube, like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop tutorials. Whereas I often miss watching stay occasions (ladies’s soccer, or Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral), I don’t really feel I’m lacking out.
Steve, 50s, buyer providers supervisor, Gloucestershire
‘I like how brief content material is on YouTube’
I like how brief content material is on YouTube, making it straightforward to observe one thing whilst you’re consuming within the kitchen. I choose it to different streaming providers for the large alternative of issues to observe. My favorite exhibits are when individuals are making one thing out of nothing, whether or not it’s the Nice Pottery Throwdown or Rust Valley the place they do up previous automobiles. I had a TV licence as a result of I didn’t wish to have an issue with the authorities pondering I watch the tv, though I didn’t. I rescinded it just lately, although, as I don’t suppose the BBC makes superb programmes any extra. I’m not keen on their output and it feels very samey and boring. I’m additionally on a state pension and it was troublesome to justify the price.
Andrea, 67, retired care employee, Bedfordshire
‘You’ll be able to watch something from deep house to quantum principle’
Watching broadcast TV is insanity – having to see one thing at a selected time is not sensible. I finished about 20 years in the past when Tivo got here out, and over time not watching TV received simpler as soon as broadband improved and there have been extra streaming providers. YouTube is so significantly better than others as you’ll be able to watch something from deep house to quantum principle. I like watching actually detailed scientific movies which might be overwhelmingly technical. One channel is PBS Eons, which is in regards to the historical past of life on Earth. I discover that TV is simply too long-winded and the episode recaps make me really feel like I’ve a reminiscence of a goldfish – it drives me up the wall. Out of politeness, I nonetheless have a TV licence. I’ve heard tales of individuals not having the ability to show they’re not watching TV and being taken to courtroom. It’s extra for my peace of thoughts.
Stu Smith, 54, IT guide, Ipswich
‘I simply received fed up with terrestrial TV’
I watch YouTube as a result of I can by no means discover something entertaining on terrestrial tv. I actually like to observe journey exhibits the place I can sit at house and really feel I can do issues like climb within the Himalayas, trek in New Zealand or go to superb eating places in several nations. Regardless that I often watched sport, I gave up my TV licence two years in the past. I couldn’t abide so-called celebrities or look-at-me varieties who interrupted the programme so that you get to have a look at their faces on a regular basis. I don’t imply to be presenter-bashing, however once you get previous it’s good to be a bit extra calm in your life, and presenters have a tendency to leap out the TV at you. I simply received fed up with it.
Gillian, 73, retired secretary, Stratford-upon-Avon
‘Whether or not you’re studying or enjoyable, YouTube is way more exact than TV’
I’ve performed in a number of bands and do a number of recording at house and in 2018 I began watching assist movies for recording with Logic Professional X on YouTube. Then I discovered a number of guitar tutors as I used to be finding out for my grade 5 classical, then moved on to utilizing the platform for science and historical past documentaries. All of the sudden I might entry a number of info. I additionally like watching it on the TV because it’s extra snug than sitting at a desk or utilizing a laptop computer. I discover the flexibility to scroll by way of a mess of subjects to search out one thing that matches my temper significantly better than the choices on TV. YouTube appears to supply the flexibility to immerse and fulfill, whether or not studying or enjoyable, in a way more exact method than TV or different streaming providers.
Gerry McCart, 60, works in monetary providers, Edinburgh