UK viewers over the age of 55 watched almost twice as much YouTube last year as they did in 2023, with 42% of them watching on a TV, according to a survey by the communications regulator Ofcom.
Here, six people over 50 describe why they prefer YouTube and how it compares with the broadcast TV they grew up with.
‘YouTube is very personal and you feel involved’
YouTube is full of hidden gems and many videos are made by ordinary people. There’s so much more on offer in one place than other streaming services or broadcast channels. Also, some streaming channels can be difficult to navigate to find what you want. At the moment, I’m really enjoying reaction videos. One of my favourites is Regeneration Nation TV where an American duo react to music, comedians and TV shows like Fawlty Towers. They’re fun to watch and you feel involved. I also think it’s helpful for those who feel lonely – it’s almost like the people in these videos are with you. I used to work as a volunteer for the Samaritans so I can understand loneliness. I feel YouTube fills a need that other services don’t. It’s very personal and is a place where you can find anything, and often find what you’re looking for.
Lloyd , 62, disabled and unemployed, Kent
‘Terrestrial TV just feels old-fashioned’
YouTube offers so much content that aligns with my interests and hobbies including music, photography, science and movie reviews. Not to mention it’s all on demand and much of it is available in bite-size form (15 to 20 minutes). For dramas and films, I use streaming services. Now in my late 50s, I also really value YouTube’s treasure trove of live music performances – there’s always something new or nostalgic to discover. There is just nothing on traditional TV that comes anywhere close to the choice and niche subjects that I can find on YouTube, like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop tutorials. While I occasionally miss watching live events (women’s football, or Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral), I don’t feel I’m missing out.
Steve, 50s, customer services manager, Gloucestershire
‘I like how short content is on YouTube’
I like how short content is on YouTube, making it easy to watch something while you’re eating in the kitchen. I prefer it to other streaming services for the wide choice of things to watch. My favourite shows are when people are making something out of nothing, whether it’s the Great Pottery Throwdown or Rust Valley where they do up old cars. I had a TV licence because I didn’t want to have a problem with the authorities thinking I watch the television, even though I didn’t. I rescinded it recently, though, as I don’t think the BBC makes very good programmes any more. I’m not interested in their output and it feels very samey and boring. I’m also on a state pension and it was difficult to justify the fee.
Andrea, 67, retired care worker, Bedfordshire
‘You can watch anything from deep space to quantum theory’
Watching broadcast TV is madness – having to see something at a specific time makes no sense. I stopped about 20 years ago when Tivo came out, and over time not watching TV got easier once broadband improved and there were more streaming services. YouTube is so much better than others as you can watch anything from deep space to quantum theory. I like watching really detailed scientific videos that are overwhelmingly technical. One channel is PBS Eons, which is about the history of life on Earth. I find that TV is too long-winded and the episode recaps make me feel like I have a memory of a goldfish – it drives me up the wall. Out of politeness, I still have a TV licence. I’ve heard stories of people not being able to prove they’re not watching TV and being taken to court. It’s more for my peace of mind.
Stu Smith, 54, IT consultant, Ipswich
‘I just got fed up with terrestrial TV’
I watch YouTube because I can never find anything entertaining on terrestrial television. I really like to watch travel shows where I can sit at home and feel I can do things like climb in the Himalayas, trek in New Zealand or go to amazing restaurants in different countries. Even though I occasionally watched sport, I gave up my TV licence two years ago. I couldn’t abide so-called celebrities or look-at-me types who interrupted the programme so you get to look at their faces all the time. I don’t mean to be presenter-bashing, but when you get old you need to be a bit more calm in your life, and presenters tend to jump out the TV at you. I just got fed up with it.
Gillian, 73, retired secretary, Stratford-upon-Avon
‘Whether you’re learning or relaxing, YouTube is much more precise than TV’
I’ve played in a few bands and do a lot of recording at home and in 2018 I started watching help videos for recording with Logic Pro X on YouTube. Then I found a lot of guitar tutors as I was studying for my grade 5 classical, then moved on to using the platform for science and history documentaries. Suddenly I could access a lot of information. I also like watching it on the TV as it’s more comfortable than sitting at a desk or using a laptop. I find the ability to scroll through a multitude of topics to find something that fits my mood much better than the offerings on TV. YouTube seems to offer the ability to immerse and satisfy, whether learning or relaxing, in a much more precise way than TV or other streaming services.
Gerry McCart, 60, works in financial services, Edinburgh