Technological Shift: Changing Patterns of Entertainment

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic shift in how people in Bangladesh consume entertainment, news, and education. Due to the rise of smartphones, mobile data, and easy access to YouTube, traditional television viewership has declined. For the new generation, TV is now seen as an “old medium,” while YouTube has become a direct source of personalized entertainment.

YouTube in Numbers: What Do the Data Say?

• As of early 2025, YouTube users in Bangladesh have reached around 44.6 million—more than 25% of the total population and 57% of all internet users.
• Over 45% of Bangladesh’s internet bandwidth is used for video streaming, with YouTube leading the way.
• On average, YouTube viewers in the country spend 70–90 minutes daily, especially among the 15–35 age group.

The Reality of Television: Shrinking Viewers and Fading Influence

• In 2019, about 64% of households in Bangladesh had a television set. But post-COVID, this scenario has shifted rapidly towards online platforms.
• Traditional TV channels are facing an advertising crisis and are failing to retain younger audiences.
• During prime time (7 PM to 10 PM), many families now watch dramas, live news, or review content on YouTube instead of television.

New Media Habits Among Children and Teens

• According to a survey by UNICEF and BTRC, urban children in Bangladesh spend 80–90 minutes on YouTube daily, while TV watching is below 30 minutes.
• Parents report that while TV has controlled content, there is no time or content limitation on YouTube, leading to increased unregulated content consumption.

YouTube’s Role in News and Politics

YouTube in Bangladesh is no longer just an entertainment platform—it has become an “alternative news medium”:

• Around 40% of Bangladeshi youth get their news from YouTube channels, as traditional TV bulletins lose appeal due to their rigid format and schedule.
• Some YouTube-based news channels now have hundreds of thousands of subscribers and broadcast live events.

Revolution in the Entertainment Industry: From TV Serials to YouTube Dramas

• During Ramadan in 2023, the most-watched drama in the country aired on YouTube, not on TV.
• Emerging directors and producers are now directly releasing content on YouTube for more viewers, instant feedback, and better monetization.

Market and Advertising: YouTube vs. TV

• In 2024, Bangladesh’s digital advertising sector reached nearly BDT 1,000 crore (~$90 million), with YouTube claiming about 65% of it.
• Corporate brands are now advertising through YouTube influencers and branded content, moving away from traditional TV advertisements.

Future Directions

Experts believe:

• YouTube and online video platforms are becoming the “TV of the future.”
• YouTube’s algorithm tailors content to individual preferences, offering a more personalized and engaging experience than traditional TV.
• However, concerns are rising about exposure to nudity, extremism, misinformation, and addiction—issues that both the government and society need to address.

YouTube’s Expanding Role in Bangladesh

YouTube in Bangladesh is now more than just a video platform. It has become:

• A hub for education and entertainment
• An alternative news source
• A platform for social movements
• A marketing center for small businesses and entrepreneurs

While television remains a conventional medium, YouTube is rapidly surpassing it to become a dominant digital platform. Experts in technology and media say YouTube’s dominance in the future media landscape will only grow stronger.