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Data analytics firm SuperData has released a new report that shows the impact of gaming video content. Channels such as Twitch, YouTube, Mixer and similar video and streaming sites now command 665 million viewers. The figure for 2017 exceeds the combined user base of entertainment streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, HBO and ESPN.
In 2016 alone, 517 million people watched gaming content on YouTube and Twitch had 175 million viewers and earnings from these channels from adverts and direct consumer spending will reach $4.6 billion this year with 31 per cent of people willing to directly contribute to the content creator via a subscription or donation.
The report also claims that the demographics that are watching this content are exactly the demographic that advertisers are struggling to reach, with the US having high female representation for viewership and a higher average income, compared to those watching prime time television.
"Gaming video content is the most important, and massive, new media platform since social media," the report blurb says. "While the ‘why would anyone want to watch someone else play video games?’ sentiment continues to exist among those behind the curve, the smartest publishers, advertisers, and brands are recognizing that their consumers are now, simply put, watching videos of people playing games."
You can read the full more information on the report here.
