25+ Cable TV Subscribers Statistics You Must Know in 2023

In the 1980s and 1990s, digital cable and satellite subscriptions were very high as popular sources of entertainment and news. However, recent technological developments like on-demand streaming services disrupted this growth figure in the market. 

In no time, most subscribers began to patronize pay-TV subscriptions. Notwithstanding, cable TV is still in existence. So far, there have been diverse records indicating the usage, advantages, and services of Cable TV.

These statistics will help you understand how Cable TVs have impacted the entertainment industry and its subscribers.

Interesting Cable TV Subscribers Statistics

• In 2023, the number of subscribers to cable TV dropped to 72.2 million from 98.7 million in 2016.
• Comcast has 17,144,000 subscribers, up from Charter’s 15,495,00
• In 2022, Comcast cable TV experienced a drop of 2 million subscribers, up from 1.66 million in 2021.
• 48% of US households are still paying for cable TV.
• 82% of American adults streaming internet TV say it entertains them more than cable TV.
• Experts predict the global pay TV market to grow from $184.09 billion in 2022 to $209.01 billion by 2023.
• With 5.1 million viewers, NBC amassed CBS to lead 2022 in total viewership.
• The Americans have about 1,775 TV stations and around 5,200 cable systems handled by 660 operators, reaching 90% of the population.

Cable TV Subscribers Statistics

The 2022 cable TV subscriber stats show there will be a deduction of 28% number of paid TV subscriptions between 2018 and 2023.

Here’s what’s in store for cable TV subscribers:

1. As of 2023, 72 Million Cable Tv Subscriptions Exist.

Cable TV subscribers have reduced from 98.7 million in 2016 to 72.2 million in 2023. Meanwhile, it was forecasted to increase from $184.09 billion in 2022 to $209.01 billion by 2023.

In 2022, Comcast’s cable pay-TV lost about 2 million subscribers, and 82% of adults streaming on the internet claim it’s more exciting and entertaining than cable.

However, 48% of the US still pays for cable TV, and Comcast has about 17,144,000 subscribers. Irrespective of the reduced number of subscribers on cable TV, it is still a popular means of entertainment for the majority.

(Source: Gitnux)

2. 68% of View Time is Devoted to Streaming, and 28% to Traditional TV.

According to TV-pay statistics, American adults confirmed that streaming entertains more than traditional cable TV.

(Source: Forbes)

3. In 2022, Comcast Lost Over 2 Million Subscribers.

Comcast’s traditional cable pay-TV sector reduced, losing 2 million subscribers in 2022 compared to 1.66 million losses in 2021.

(Source: Mediaplaynews)

4. Pay-TV Subscribers will Continue to Reduce by 28% Each Year Between 2022 and 2026.

In the United States, there were 68.5 million pay-TV households in 2022. By 2026, the number is forecasted to drop to 57.2 million, a 4.8% decrease. In 2024, the number of pay-TV is expected to remain the same as the “non-pay-TV” households.

(Source: eMarketer)

5. Internet TV Service has More Subscribers Than Cable TV.

Cable TV only has 34.4% of subscribers. People prefer to stream online, as shown in streaming vs cable statistics. There was a 32% increase in streaming usage in 2022, and in the previous year, the streaming volume increased by 22.6%, which resulted in a 6.5% increase in its use. Furthermore, Internet TV services like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu experienced a rise in July.

(Source: Starry)

6. There is a 50% Share in the Current Cable TV Market.

In 2022, the value of the global pay-TV market was $184.09 billion, and it is still growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 1.60% from 2022 – 2030. By 2030, the market is expected to reach $209.01 billion. Cable TV experienced a deduction of 98.7 million subscribers in 2016 to 72.2 million in 2023. Meanwhile, there is an expectation of an increase in Pat-TV from $184.09 billion in 2022 to $209.01 billion by 2030.

(Source: The Brainy Insight)

7. Cable TV Revenue Reduced from 54.11 Billion in 2010 to 36.75 Billion in 2023.

This shows the decline in revenue in recent years, indicating a reduction in viewership. This could be a result of the increasing popularity of streaming services.

(Source: Gitnux)

8. Advertising Revenue Channel Took Over the Market with a Revenue Share of Over 75% in 2022 Due to the High Penetration of Cable TV and Satellite Networks in Rural Households.

Advertising revenue is the most significant source of income for cable TV networks, and the demand for advertisement for free content motivates subscribers to become members. This means cable TV networks must provide their subscribers with quality content and services to maintain their market share.

(Source: Gitnux)

9. In Q4 2020, About 78.7 Million Cable TV Subscribers were in the US.

Despite the streaming service trying to outpace cable TV, it still has many subscribers.

(Source: Gitnux)

10. The Cable TV Subscribers Count Grew in 2010, Reaching 105 Million.

In 2010, the number of subscribers recorded for cable TV increased to 105 million.

(Source: Gitnux)

Top United States Cable Statistics

Have you ever thought of how many American households have cable TV? Check out these statistics!

11. In 2019, the United States had 1,775 TV Stations.

According to research, there are 1,775 TV stations in the United States and 1,758 TV networks nationwide.

(Source: Pointerclicker)

12. Cable TV is Still Popular in the United States.

Cable TV has been trendy amongst US households for decades. Despite the competition from online services, it is still holding its ground. In 2021 cable TV and other providers made an estimated revenue of over $58 million from program and advertising only and $29 million from airtime revenue.

(Source: Statista)

13. Since 2015, Cable and Satellite TV Usage has Dropped in the United States.

The number of Americans watching TV by satellite or cable has plunged from 76% in 2015 to 56% in 2021. 71% of those that don’t use satellite or cable services said it’s because they access whatever content they want online, 69% say cable is expensive, and 45% say they hardly watch TV.

(Source: Pew Research)

14. The Number of TV-disconnected Households in the United States is Expected to Grow from 2019 to 2024.

In 2019, 24.6 million households had cord-cut, and the number of families not paying for traditional TV services in the US was forecasted to be 31.2 million at the end of 2020. This figure was expected to continue increasing in the following years and hit 46.6 million in 2024.

(Source: Statista)

15. 48% of United States Adults have Satellite or Cable TV Subscriptions.

For the sake of streaming services, most Americans have reduced their monthly cable subscriptions. According to research, 48% of United States adults reported having satellite or cable TV subscriptions, while most focused on streaming services.

(Source: The Wrap)

United States Subscribers – Demographics Statistics

16. 81% of Adults in the US have Cable TV Subscriptions.

81% of US adults aged 65 years and above have cable TV. 34% aged 18 to 29 years watch cable TV. Cable news managed by American adults over 65 years and above is 32% but only 12% of 18 to 34 years—77% of American adults between 18 to 34 years like streaming services than cable TV.

(Source: Play Today)

17. Netflix’s Major Subscribers are Aged 45 to 54 Years.

In 2015, Americans between 18 to 34 years old were the highest subscribers of Netflix. Recently, Generation X and Millennials have the highest Netflix viewership, as shown by statistics. Since 2015, metrics for individuals from 34 to 65 years and above have increased.

• 18 to 24 years, 12%.
• 25 to 34 years, 18%.
• 35 to 44 years, 18%.    
• 45 to 54 years, 19%.   
• 55 to 64 years, 16%.
• Sixty-five years to above, 17%. 

(Source: True List)

18. Fox Announced an Increment of 7% in Advertising Revenues of $1.05 Billion in Three Months of 2022.

The high increase in revenue was majorly attributed to several factors, which include pricing and higher ratings at Fox News. There was a 40% increase in affiliate revenues, which totaled $1.72 billion. In ad revenues, Fox’s Television section got a 4% increase to $698 million, while the Cable Network Programming section saw a 4% growth in advertising revenue, a total of $358 million.

The total revenue increment was 5% year-over-year to $3.03 billion, and the net income was $308 million, up from $272 million in the same quarter last year.

(Source: StreamTV Insider)

United States Cable TV – Viewership Statistics

19. In 2022, NBC Will be the Most-watched Channel in the United States.

In 2022, NBC got 5.1 million viewers, ranking them as the most-watched channel in the United States for adults aged 18 to 49. Below are the first-third most-watched networks of 2022:

• NBC: 5,148 million viewers.
• CBS: 5,144 million viewers.
• ABC: 3,867 million viewers.

(Source: Variety)

20. An Average of Americans Spent $54 on Streaming Services in 2022.

While there is an increase in streaming service usage, subscription seems to be prevalent. A good number of streamers, about 82%, plan to keep their subscription portfolio over the next 30 days without change. Just 9% of user plan to add a new service.

(Source: JD Power)

21. Netflix’s Yearly Revenue as of 2022 was $31.616 Billion, a 6.46% Growth from 2021.

As of December 31, 2022, Netflix generated $31.61 billion in revenue, a one-year-over-year growth of 6.46%. Netflix’s yearly income was $29.698 billion, showing an 18.81% growth from the last year. In 2021, Netflix’s annual revenue increased to $24.996 billion, showing a 24.01% growth compared to 2019.

(Source: Marco Trends)

22. Most Pay-TV Customers Feel They’re Wasting Money on Their Subscription.

According to TVTechnology, lots of cable and satellite TV subscribers feel they’re lavishing their money on subscriptions due to the kinds of channels they view. Since 2019, the website showed these pay-TV subscribers have access to 190 channels but prefer to view only 15 of the media.

Broadcast networks and ESPN were top-rated in the popularity poll, as expected. The survey also showed that since 2019, the average cable TV monthly has increased from $96 to $147, an increase of 52%.

(Source: TVTechnology)

23. From 2013 to 2023, Netflix Recorded a Loss in its US and Canada Premium Subscribers.

In the 2023 first quarter, Netflix premium streaming subscribers across the US and Canada were 74.4 million. This marked a reduction of about 200,000 compared to the same quarter of the last year.

(Source: Statista)

Global Cable TV- Subscribers Statistics

These statistics depict the impact of cable TV on its subscribers in the United States so far. Now let’s look at the statistics globally. Firstly, let’s have a quick look at Europe:

24. Amount of Pay-TV Subscribers by Technology in Eastern Europe Between 2018 and 2028 is Expected to Grow.

Digital pay-TV subscribers in Eastern Europe were predicted to increase by 8 million between 2018 and 2028, reaching 73 million in 2028. In contrast, the amount of analog cable subscribers was expected to reduce to zero (0) over that time.

(Source: Statista)

25. In 2022, Sky Europe had a Customer Base of Almost 22.666 Million Subscribers.

Between January 1 and June 30, 2021, Sky Europe experienced a reduction of about 26,000 subscribers. Furthermore, in the second quarter of 2022, the amount of subscription that was canceled increased rapidly to 361,000. As a result, Sky’s European customer base was reduced from 23.198 million at the end of Q2/2021 to 22.666 million at the end of Q2/2022.

(Source: Advanced-Television)

26. Latin America: Pay-TV Revenue in 2024 is Expected to Spike.

In Latin America, the TV sector was projected to generate more than $14.3 billion in revenue in 2020, gapping the expected value of $14.1 billion in 2019. It will likely ascend in 2023 to $14.9 billion and spike by 2024.

(Source: Statista)

27. Global Pay-TV Revenue from 2010 to 2028 will Reduce.

According to Statista, global pay-TV revenue increased in 2016 but began to reduce year-over-year, falling to about $151 in 2021. By 2028, worldwide pay-TV payments will be reduced by 26 million dollars.

(Source: Statista)

Conclusion

Cable TV network provides different programming options, quality pictures, and clear sound. They give subscribers access to watch whatever they want with many channel options. Considering the statistics above, Cable TV has faced several ups and down since its existence, and its subscriber count is expected to decrease in the coming years.

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