Despite Success Of ‘Squid Game', Koreans Are Choosing YouTube Over Netflix
Earlier this week we brought news that South Korean content is now second only to the U.S. on Netflix, but it appears Korean audiences are opting for YouTube over the streamer.
According to new research from Digital-i, which examined YouTube viewing for the first time, South Korean people with active YouTube accounts spent a whopping 210 minutes (3 hours 30 minutes) per day watching the platform in the final quarter of last year, which was second only to Japan (214 minutes) in the countries measured.
More from Deadline
Netflix Spotlighting Fred & Rose West For Its Next 'British Horror Story'
Kevin Spacey Reprises 'House Of Cards' Role To Promote Tim Dillon's Netflix Comedy Special
'Adolescence' Climbs To Third On Netflix's Most Popular TV List; 'Black Mirror' Returns At No. 4 On Weekly Charts
Koreans who subscribe to Netflix spent less than half that time (96 minutes) watching the streamer, which airs Korean hits like Squid Game, Love Next Door and Queen of Tears.
Digital-i found by far and away the biggest gap between YouTube and Netflix viewing in Japan and South Korea, with other nations much more equal. In the U.S., active Netflix subs watched 117 minutes of Netflix per day in Q4 2024 while the figure for YouTube was 97. In the UK, the figures were 89 and 95 respectively. Italy had the biggest gap in the opposite direction, with 91 minutes viewed daily on Netflix versus 54 on YouTube.
The research niftily demonstrates the challenges faced by the streamers and traditional broadcasters when faced with the might of the Google-owned platform. Digital-i also noted that long-form viewing on YouTube has risen to account for 68% of total viewing time compared with 53% three years ago. The streamers and YouTube have of course been combining on shows like The Sidemen's Inside, which launched its second season on Netflix, and Amazon's Beast Games from top YouTuber Mr Beast.
'YouTube has become an integral part of how younger audiences consume content,' said Digital-i Chief Analytics Officer Matt Ross. 'The challenge for the industry now is understanding how to respond to this fragmented, highly personalised viewing behaviour in a meaningful way.'
Live sports driver
Digital-i's latest Trend Report titled 'Evolving Streamer Strategies' did shine a light on how the SVoDs' push into ads and live sports is reaping rewards.
The biggest Netflix subscription driver in the final quarter of last year was the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight, according to the report, which was watched by 457,000 new subscriber accounts, just ahead of Squid Game Season 2 on 410,000. Fourth on the list was the NFL Christmas Gameday match between the Chiefs and the Steelers. The vast majority of these events were watched live, totalling more than 100 million Netflix viewers as the streamer pivots towards sport.
On the ads side, Amazon's strategy of moving all Prime Video users onto an ad-supported plan by default accrued a significant share of hours viewed for shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Cross, which gathered 67% and 71% of their viewing respectively from ad-supported accounts. Nearly 90% of Prime Video Subs watched ads in Q4 2024, Digital-i said.
Best of Deadline
2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
'And Just Like That ...' Season 3: Everything We Know So Far
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jamie Foxx Says Black People Are Being Challenged: 'It Wasn't About The Price Of Eggs'
Jamie Foxx seemingly alluded to the Trump administration during his acceptance speech at the 2025 BET Awards. While being honored as an Ultimate Icon at the ceremony, the Oscar winner appeared to deliver a cryptic message in his acceptance speech. 'To have this moment and not say that we're being challenged [as Black people] … we're being challenged,' he told the crowd at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday evening. Claiming that 'it wasn't about the price of eggs,' Foxx continued, 'We're being challenged, that's all… I don't want to say anything [else].' He added: 'I don't want to get into it.' Earlier this year, President Donald Trump was criticized for falsely claiming that egg prices are decreasing. In his 2024 campaign, Trump promised voters that he would lower the price of groceries on Day 1 of his presidency. In a Gallup poll, voters said that the economy was the most important issue that could influence their votes. Earlier in his speech, Foxx appeared emotional while expressing gratitude for surviving his medical emergency in April 2023. Foxx later revealed during his Netflix comedy special, 'What Had Happened Was,' that he underwent surgery after suffering a brain bleed that led to a stroke. 'When I saw the In Memoriam, I was like, 'Man that could've been me,'' he said of the posthumous tribute segment that aired before his speech. 'But I don't know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance I'm not going to turn down.' Meanwhile on X, formerly Twitter, social media users reacted over Foxx's tribute, which also featured musical performances by Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, T-Pain, Tank and Doug E. Fresh. Seeing Jamie Foxx get so emotional during this tribute is giving me chills. I amso happy for him # — 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕄𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕪𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕗𝕄𝕖 (@MessyMindofMe) June 10, 2025 Knowing that we could have lost Jamie Foxx.. this tribute is so so special. # — raveen marie 🫶🏾 (@theraveenreport) June 10, 2025 This Jamie Foxx tribute means so much right now 🥹🥹🥹🥹#BETAwards# — Jachelle (@HighJachelle) June 10, 2025 We really almost lost JAMIE MF FOXX….THROW THESE FLOWERS at him # — Lexi✨ (@heyylexilex) June 10, 2025 See The Best And Boldest Looks From The 2025 BET Awards Red Carpet Kevin Hart Jokes About Diddy Without Even Saying His Name The Complete List Of 2025 BET Awards Winners
Geek Vibes Nation
19 minutes ago
- Geek Vibes Nation
Chicken Road: Redefining Slot Gameplay Through Humor, Risk, And Interaction
Online gambling has evolved far beyond the passive mechanics of traditional slot machines. In this dynamic digital landscape, new formats are emerging that not only entertain but demand attention, strategy, and interaction. Among these innovations, a singular title has managed to fuse humor, risk, and a surprisingly tactile gameplay mechanic into a cohesive, adrenaline-fueled experience: a game where a chicken's perilous journey across a trap-laden road becomes the centerpiece of virtual fortune-seeking. What distinguishes this experience is not merely its satirical undertone, but the cognitive tension it builds with each decision. The player is no longer a detached observer, but an active agent in a surreal narrative that marries slapstick absurdity with high-stakes outcomes. The structure of the game reflects a shift in modern iGaming — one that values immersion over automation, unpredictability over pattern, and wit over repetition. It's not about spinning and waiting anymore; it's about guiding, calculating, and surviving. At the heart of this unorthodox evolution lies chicken road, a game that reimagines the boundaries of slot entertainment by turning a punchline into a playable mythos. Its design language is playful yet deliberate, its mechanics simple yet disarmingly strategic. In a market oversaturated with sameness, this title doesn't just stand out — it walks confidently across the chaos, feathers ruffled, leaving a trail of both amusement and awe. The anatomy of thrill: decoding the mechanics behind the chicken's perilous journey In the crowded constellation of digital slot games, most titles orbit predictability — spinning reels, flashing lights, and the illusion of control. Yet, one game defies this gravitational pull with a kinetic premise and an interactive twist that feels less like gambling and more like navigating a volatile dance. To truly appreciate the architecture of this design, one must look beyond its surface humor and into the mechanical calculus that governs the player's every move. The foundation of this gameplay isn't random chaos. It's a delicate balance between volatility, player agency, and structured reward progression — factors encoded deep within the engine that fuels each decision. At the intersection of entertainment and controlled risk lies a set of parameters that shape both the tension and tempo of each session. Below is a breakdown of the core technical attributes that inform the game's underlying dynamics: Attribute Specification Game type Slot (interactive format) Thematic focus Humorous survival journey RTP 96% (approximate average) Volatility Medium to high Minimum bet $0.10 Maximum bet $100.00 Max payout 5000x initial wager But numbers alone do not tell the story of why players keep returning. The game's success is also encoded in its capacity to create micro-moments of decision-making — where emotion, logic, and sheer whimsy converge. These design nuances become especially visible when we examine the features that differentiate this title from conventional slots: Interactive flow: players guide action rather than passively spinning reels Narrative continuity: every round continues the chicken's saga, not just resets it Strategic input: players influence outcomes through timing and choice Layered progression: increasing rewards tied to risk escalation Visual cues: animations provide feedback tied to real-time gameplay tension Playability range: broad bet spectrum suits both cautious and daring players Humor integration: the absurd premise increases emotional engagement Each of these elements doesn't just enhance gameplay — it redefines what a slot can be. In this sense, the game functions less as a machine of chance and more as a performative space, where absurdity and ambition collide across every burning lane the chicken dares to cross. Mapping player psychology: how randomness meets control in modern slot engagement Beneath the surface-level thrill of animated explosions and coin showers lies a more intricate mechanism: the psychological blueprint of player behavior. It's not merely about wagering — it's about micro-interactions, visual patterns, and an illusion of mastery cleverly layered into every second of gameplay. This game, in particular, thrives not because it offers more chances to win, but because it masterfully crafts the feeling that each moment matters. Emotional pacing and user retention Visual anticipation: spinning elements and movement cues build subconscious tension Sound feedback: auditory signals reward risk, even without payout Near-miss illusion: deliberately engineered outcomes to suggest 'almost winning' Micro-interactivity: user input at crucial moments boosts perceived control Win chaining: small rewards timed close together to simulate streaks Instant gratification: rapid rounds create looped satisfaction cycles Loss delay buffers: slight delays in loss screens to soften disappointment The architecture of engagement is built on rhythm — both literal and emotional. These micro-tactics are not random add-ons but deliberate tools used to shape behavior, extend session lengths, and escalate user investment over time. What may appear as quirky animations or dramatic pauses is, in truth, a psychological net calibrated to the millisecond. The subtle art of digital risk architecture Risk layering: escalating challenge introduced gradually through level design Soft thresholds: minor rewards create low-stakes addiction before bigger bets Control mimicking: interfaces simulate choice in predetermined outcomes Narrative continuity: story elements provide momentum between losses Fail-soft mechanics: even failures yield aesthetic or comedic payoff Exploration reward loops: curiosity is used to trigger continued play Uncertainty optimization: randomization is framed to appear like strategy This is not chaos; it is orchestrated unpredictability. The tension between randomness and agency is what fuels modern iGaming — a psychological tension dressed up as feathers and fire. By wrapping risk in absurd humor, the game sustains user momentum without overwhelming them. And that balance, fragile and calculated, is what turns a mere digital slot into a behavioral engine with feathers. Final thoughts: Chicken Road's unexpected legacy in digital casino innovation Throughout our exploration of its mechanics, engagement loops, and thematic audacity, it becomes evident that Chicken Road is far more than a quirky experiment—it's a recalibration of what interactive slot games can be. It doesn't merely offer the thrill of gambling; it reimagines the user's role within that experience, turning passive participants into narrative drivers and calculated risk-takers on a volatile digital highway. The game's core success lies not only in its creative premise but in its sophisticated orchestration of tension, humor, and progression. From visual psychology to gameplay structure, every element is intentionally built to resonate across different user profiles—those seeking amusement, those chasing big wins, and those who unknowingly crave control in chaos. It thrives in its contradictions: simple yet strategic, comedic yet high-stakes, absurd yet addictively precise. As the online gaming industry continues to chase novelty, Chicken Road doesn't follow trends—it satirizes them, reinvents them, and lays down flaming tracks in their place. Whether it becomes a genre-defining benchmark or remains a cult classic, its influence is undeniable. It has already proven that even in a landscape driven by algorithms and probabilities, there is still room for playfulness, subversion, and one very determined chicken.
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
Jamie Foxx cries in BET Awards speech about health, credits daughters for recovery
Jamie Foxx cries in BET Awards speech about health, credits daughters for recovery Show Caption Hide Caption Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz talk returning to 'Back in Action' set Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz tell USA TODAY what it was like to return to shooting 'Back in Action' after pausing for Foxx's health scare. Two years out from his stroke and subsequent coma, Jamie Foxx emotionally thanked his sister and daughters for getting him through the dark period. Daughters Corinne Foxx, 31, and Anelise Bishop, 16, — like their dad — were in tears as they were seated in the 2025 BET Awards crowd. Anelise's chin trembled as she looked up at her dad on stage, who accepted one of the night's Ultimate Icon Awards. "When I saw that in memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could've been me.' But I don't know why I went through what I went through, but I know that my second chance, I'm not going to turn it down," said Foxx, 57. He went on to thank sister Deidre Dixon, a Hollywood hair and makeup artist, because she "made sure that she took care of her brother" in spring 2023. Then he shouted out his eldest daughter, who was the one sharing updates on his health at the time. "My beautiful daughter, Corinne, I cannot say enough about you," Foxx said. "You've always taken a backseat to everything. But when you needed to drive it, you drove. And you made sure I was here. And at a certain point, I'm going to stop crying, but I'm not going to stop yet." Jamie Foxx speaks out: Actor reveals his mysterious illness in Netflix special Jamie Foxx daughters sob during speech as he reveals how Anelise helped recovery with guitar Foxx's lengthy speech also included a story about how his younger daughter helped with his recovery in the hospital. "Anelise Estelle Foxx, my baby with the big hair. She hides under that hair because she's got something special. You're so beautiful, man," Foxx said. "When I was fighting for my life in there, I've got to say this. They said, 'We're going to lose him because his vitals are bad.' And I didn't want my 14 year old to see me like that. But Anelise overheard the conversation and she snuck into my hospital room with her guitar and said, 'I know what my Daddy needs,'" he continued. Foxx recounted, "And as she played the guitar, my vitals (improved). And I realized God was in her guitar. The nurses ran in and said, 'What did they give him?' My daughter said, 'Shh, I've got him.'" Jamie Foxx's health struggles Foxx explained in his 2024 Netflix special that he'd experienced "a bad headache" on April 11, 2023. Moments after he'd asked for an aspirin, he lost consciousness — and now doesn't remember the ensuing 20 days. During this comatose period, Foxx was taken to a doctor, who administered a cortisone shot and sent him home. Then a follow-up appointment with a doctor revealed Foxx had experienced a stroke caused by a brain bleed. The exact cause of the stroke was not determined. Jamie Foxx on medical emergency: 'I was gone for 20 days' Speaking to a group outside of a hotel in Phoenix, actor Jamie Foxx revealed more details about a medical emergency he experienced last year. Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder joke about blindness With Foxx's speech lasting around 10 minutes, music legend and award presenter Stevie Wonder wandered back to Foxx, who was standing center stage, to gently encourage him to start wrapping it up. After Foxx noted he'd almost elbowed Wonder behind him, he started walking around the microphone with the trophy outstretched (which was not how Wonder was moving on stage). "How did he know?" Foxx said. Wonder joked earlier in the night that he watched and edited the tribute package for Foxx and had ribbed Foxx for trying to connect with him as a blind artist when he portrayed Ray Charles in the Oscar-winning movie "Ray." Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
