How Much Does the Average Person Spend on Streaming Services?
Learn how much people typically spend on streaming services. Gain insights into average costs and the various factors shaping your digital subscription budget.
Streaming services have transformed how individuals consume entertainment, news, and educational content. These digital platforms offer on-demand access to a vast array of media. As these services become integral to daily life, understanding their financial commitments and the factors influencing spending can help consumers manage their finances.
Current Average Spending Figures
Spending on streaming services in the United States varies by source and scope. A February 2024 survey indicated that U.S. consumers spend an average of $77 each month, or $924 annually, on subscriptions, which encompasses more than just video streaming.
More specifically for streaming services, a December 2024 report found that the average U.S. citizen spent approximately $42.38 per month, totaling about $508.56 over a full year. This figure represents a notable 23% decrease from the $55.04 spent monthly in 2023, indicating a recent shift in consumer spending habits. Conversely, other reports suggest slightly higher averages; a Deloitte report from 2024 (published in March 2025) noted that the average streaming consumer spends around $61 per month across an average of four subscription services. Another survey from April 2025 found that consumers were spending an average of $90 per month on subscriptions in total, with streaming services making up 61% of that amount. These differing figures highlight the various methodologies and what specific types of subscriptions are included in the “average.”
Despite some reports of decreased individual spending, aggregate data from financial institutions indicates an overall increase in household spending on streaming services. Bank of America’s internal data showed a 70% increase in spending on streaming since 2021, with the share of households spending over $100 monthly rising by four percentage points by January 2024 compared to January 2021. This suggests that while some individuals may be cutting back, others are consolidating or expanding their streaming portfolios, leading to higher overall household expenditures.
Factors Influencing Individual Spending
Several factors influence individual spending on streaming services. The number of subscriptions an individual or household maintains is a primary driver of cost; while some households subscribe to just one or two services, others may have five or more, significantly increasing their monthly outlay. The average American subscribes to about 2.9 streaming services monthly, with some analyses suggesting up to four video streaming services per household.
The type and tier of services also play a substantial role in overall spending. Premium, ad-free versions of popular video streaming platforms can cost upwards of $15 to $18 per month for a single service, while basic or ad-supported tiers offer lower price points. Many consumers are opting for these cheaper ad-supported plans to manage costs, with over half of consumers subscribing to at least one ad-supported tier. This shift reflects a growing price sensitivity among consumers who are reassessing their entertainment budgets in response to rising living costs and general economic uncertainty.
Demographic considerations also influence spending habits. Younger demographics, such as Gen Z and parents with children under 18, tend to drive higher viewership and maintain more subscriptions, often averaging around four streaming services. Millennials and Gen Xers are also noted for paying more per household due to subscribing to multiple services. Factors like “streaming fatigue,” where consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of available apps and content, can lead to a reduction in subscriptions.
Breakdown of Spending by Service Type
The average streaming budget is typically allocated across various service types, with video streaming often accounting for the largest portion. Video streaming services, which include platforms for movies and TV shows, are highly prevalent, with nearly 90% of U.S. households subscribing to at least one such service. Popular examples include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max, each offering extensive libraries of content that contribute significantly to monthly expenses. The average revenue per user for video streaming alone was estimated at $76.58 in 2024.
Beyond video, music streaming services represent another substantial category of spending, with approximately 44% of consumers having a music subscription. Gaming subscriptions also form a notable segment, with about 20-25% of households subscribing to gaming services. These can range from console-specific subscriptions to cloud gaming platforms, offering a wide array of interactive entertainment. News and educational content subscriptions, while less prevalent than video or music, still contribute to the overall streaming budget, with around 16% of consumers subscribing to a news service.
Other niche services, such as those for fitness, audiobooks, or sports-specific content, also factor into the total spending. For instance, 13% of consumers subscribe to sports video-on-demand services. The availability of ad-supported tiers across various service types provides a more affordable entry point for many users.