In the second half of 2024, Netflix subscribers broke records by streaming more content than ever before, signaling a continued growth in engagement for the platform. Between July and December 2024, viewers collectively spent over 94 billion hours watching content on Netflix, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in viewership underscores the platform’s ability to draw audiences with a diverse range of shows and films. Among the standout performers of the year was the highly anticipated second season of the Korean hit drama Squid Game. Despite its late premiere on December 26, the series quickly rose to the top, becoming the most-viewed TV show on Netflix with nearly 87 million views in just six days. However, it’s worth noting that no single title dominates more than 1% of total viewing time on Netflix, as the platform’s success lies in its ability to cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences.
The success of Squid Game: Season 2 highlights Netflix’s strategic approach to content creation. By investing in high-quality, engaging shows, the platform ensures that subscribers consistently find something worth watching. This strategy is evident in the company’s blog post, where they emphasize the importance of creating exceptional content to keep members hooked. Netflix calculates views by dividing the total hours watched by the runtime of each title, providing a clear metric for measuring engagement. The platform’s biannual Engagement Report, which covers approximately 99% of all video watch-time, offers valuable insights into what viewers are watching and loving. For instance, the report reveals that animated films continue to be a major draw, with ten of the top 25 films in the second half of 2024 being animated. Titles like Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (67 million views), Trolls Band Together (61 million), and That Christmas (60 million) demonstrate the enduring appeal of animation for audiences of all ages.
True crime also remains a staple on Netflix, with several titles in the genre ranking among the most-watched during the period. The Menendez Brothers (39 million views), American Murder: Laci Peterson (37 million), and Worst Ex Ever (26 million) are just a few examples of how true crime stories continue to captivate viewers. These shows not only provide entertainment but also tap into a deeper human curiosity about real-life mysteries and dramatic events. The popularity of these titles reflects Netflix’s ability to identify and cater to niche audiences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone on the platform. Additionally, the report highlights the growing influence of non-English content, with almost one-third of all viewing on Netflix coming from international shows and films. This trend is exemplified by titles like Norway’s La Palma (52 million views), Mexico’s The Accident (41 million), and Colombia’s One Hundred Years of Solitude (9 million), which is based on the acclaimed novel by Gabriel García Márquez. These numbers underscore the global appeal of Netflix and its role in bridging cultural gaps through storytelling.
The top 10 most-viewed TV shows of the second half of 2024 further illustrate the diversity of Netflix’s offerings. Alongside Squid Game: Season 2, which amassed 86.5 million views, other popular series include The Perfect Couple: Season 1 (75.1 million views), Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (69.7 million), and Emily in Paris: Season 4 (57.8 million). These titles represent a mix of genres, from drama and crime to comedy and romance, showcasing Netflix’s ability to cater to a broad audience. Similarly, the top 10 most-viewed movies reveal a strong preference for action, comedy, and family-friendly content. Carry-On (137.3 million views) and The Union (131.1 million) led the pack, followed by Rebel Ridge (129 million) and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (97.1 million). These films not only entertain but also highlight Netflix’s commitment to producing high-quality, engaging movies that resonate with viewers worldwide.
The report also sheds light on Netflix’s content strategy, which focuses on delivering a wide variety of quality shows and films. By avoiding reliance on a single title or genre, the platform ensures that every visit to Netflix is met with a wealth of options, keeping members engaged and satisfied. This approach not only drives viewership but also fosters loyalty, as subscribers are consistently offered new and compelling content to explore. The success of animated films, true crime series, and non-English titles further emphasizes the importance of diversity in programming. By catering to different tastes and preferences, Netflix continues to solidify its position as a leader in the streaming industry.
In conclusion, Netflix’s record-breaking viewership in the second half of 2024 is a testament to the platform’s ability to adapt to changing audience preferences and deliver high-quality content. From the global phenomenon of Squid Game: Season 2 to the enduring popularity of animated films and true crime stories, Netflix has proven once again that it is a hub for diverse and engaging entertainment. By investing in a wide range of genres and languages, the platform ensures that there’s always something new and exciting for viewers to discover. As Netflix continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it remains a go-to destination for millions of subscribers around the world.
