In 2024, Americans started cutting back on how much they spend on streaming services, according to a new survey.
The average person spent $42.38 a month on streaming—about $508 a year—according to a December report from Reviews, a research group that focuses on internet and streaming trends. That’s a 23% drop compared to last year when people were spending $55 a month on platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Why the sudden cutback?
One big reason is “streaming fatigue.” Nearly 28% of Americans said they’re overwhelmed by the growing number of streaming apps. The report didn’t say how many people canceled subscriptions because of it, but the frustration is real.
Another factor is cable and satellite TV. Many people are spending more on traditional TV—an average of $89.29 a month, or over $1,000 a year, which is an 11% increase from last year. With cable costs rising, some may be dropping streaming services to balance their budgets.
Here are a few more highlights from the report:
- The average American has two streaming subscriptions and watches about four hours of content daily.
- Over 26% share at least one subscription with friends or family.
- Ad-supported streaming is on the rise, with 43% of streaming plans including ads by late 2024. Between July and September, 56% of new subscriptions were ad-supported, showing that many people are choosing cheaper options, even if it means watching ads.
In short, Americans are rethinking how they spend their entertainment dollars—and streaming services are feeling the impact.