Offline and Online Media Consumption Among Young People in the UK

In today’s digital age, the way young people in the UK consume media has transformed dramatically. From scrolling through TikTok to binge-watching Netflix, their habits blend online and offline worlds in fascinating ways. This article dives into the latest trends, revealing what captures the attention of the UK’s youth and how these preferences shape their daily lives. Let’s explore the stats, platforms, and influences driving this shift as of March 2025.

Online Media: The Digital Playground

The internet dominates how young people aged 16-34 engage with media, with social platforms leading the charge. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp are the go-to spots, offering everything from quick laughs to deep dives into vlogs. According to a 2020 AudienceProject survey, 82% of 15-25-year-olds use YouTube, outpacing other networks. TikTok’s grip is just as strong—UK users spend nearly 50 hours a month on the app, averaging 97 minutes daily for kids, per Statista.

Streaming services are another big player. Netflix and Disney+ hook 90% of 16-24-year-olds, as Ofcom’s 2023 research shows, with binge-watching a favourite pastime. Music streaming hits half of those over 15 weekly, while podcasts resonate with the 25-34 crowd. Online, it’s all about instant access and endless variety.

• Top Platforms: YouTube (82% usage), TikTok (49 hours/month), Instagram (25 minutes/day).
• Streaming Stats: 90% of 16-24-year-olds use subscription services.
• Daily Habits: Kids spend over 30 minutes on Snapchat, alongside TikTok’s 97-minute average.

Offline Media: Still Kicking?

Despite the digital surge, offline media hasn’t vanished. Traditional TV lingers, though it’s losing ground. Young people might catch a match on BBC or ITV, but it’s often a social event rather than a solo habit. Radio holds some appeal—think BBC Radio 1 for the latest tunes—yet it’s more background noise than a focal point. Print media? Barely a blip. Newspapers and magazines gather dust as teens swipe X or Reddit for news bites instead.

The Reuters Institute notes that young people stumble into news via social media, not dedicated channels. This “background exposure” means offline media plays second fiddle, often reserved for family settings or special occasions like a Premier League final.

The Sports Betting Twist

Sports betting weaves into this media mix, especially online. The UK Gambling Commission’s 2023 report spills the tea: only 1-2% of 11-17-year-olds bet with real cash, but 11% dabble in virtual betting using tokens on apps. Boys lead here—14% versus 7% for girls—showing a playful curiosity without the financial sting.

Social media fuels this interest. About 15% follow gambling firms on platforms like YouTube (10%) and TikTok (9%). Sites like SmartBettingGuide offer tips, amplifying exposure. For 18-24-year-olds, YouGov highlights a lean towards fantasy sports (11%) and esports betting (6%), shying away from old-school football or horse racing bets.

Why It Matters

This blend of media consumption shapes more than just leisure. Online platforms normalise trends like betting, with X chatter and TikTok ads subtly nudging youth towards gambling culture. Studies, like one from ScienceDirect, warn of this “normalisation” among young men, tied to sports fandom. Offline media, though fading, still anchors shared experiences—think a Sunday roast with the TV on.

The stats paint a vivid picture: Gen Z lives online, curating their world through likes, shares, and streams. Yet, that 11% virtual betting figure hints at a generation testing boundaries, drawn by digital hype but cautious with their wallets.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for UK youth? Online media will likely tighten its hold as TikTok and YouTube innovate, while offline channels adapt or fade. Betting interest might grow if virtual games bridge to real stakes, especially with esports rising. For now, young people balance both worlds—swiping screens by day, maybe catching a match with mates by night. It’s a dynamic mix, and one thing’s clear: their media diet is as diverse as they are.