Notice of release
Québec, May 9, 2023. – Online activities such as listening to music and podcasts, watching TV shows, following the news, or playing video games all increased significantly in Québec. This was revealed in the bulletin Consommation de contenus culturels sur Internet en 2018 et 2020 published today by the Observatoire de la culture et des communications of the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Marked increase in viewing of video content on streaming services
The proportion of Québec Internet users who watched video content on streaming services rose from 47% in 2018 to 64% in 2020. Regarding the purchase of downloadable video content or subscriptions to video streaming services, consumers spent an average of $162 in 2020, up from $113 in 2018—a 43% increase.
Online music streaming still growing
In 2018, 69% of Internet users listened to music online, a proportion that rose to 77% in 2020. Average spending on online music (music downloads or music streaming subscriptions) grew by 19%, from $93 per customer in 2018 to $110 in 2020.
Podcast listening on the rise
Slightly over a quarter (27%) of Québec Internet users listened to podcasts online in 2020, compared to 18% in 2018. The increase was especially pronounced among Internet users aged 15 to 24 (38% in 2020 vs. 24% in 2018) and those aged 25 to 34 (45% in 2020 vs. 32% in 2018).
Following the news online has also increased
In 2020, 81% of Internet users followed the news online, up from 71% in 2018. Men were more likely than women to follow the news online (85% and 77%, respectively). In both cases, this represents an increase of about 10 percentage points between 2018 and 2020. Most Internet users who followed the news online did so free of charge in 2018 (97%).
Results differ depending on whether there are children in the household
In general, Internet users living in a household with at least one child under the age of 18 are proportionally more likely to carry out activities online. For example, this holds true for the viewing of video content on streaming services. In 2020, this activity was done by 79% of Internet users living in a household with at least one child under the age of 18, compared to 57% of Internet users in households without children.
These changes related to certain online cultural activities are partly due to the exceptional circumstances of 2020 which gave rise to new consumption habits. However, over the past few years, general trends linked to an increase in the services offered have also been observed, particularly in the case of music streaming.
The bulletin also provides results by gender, age group, type of geographic region, educational level of individuals, and income level of households.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision-makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.