We are living in a world of 24/7 connectivity. We access content on our own terms, and we like it that way. Across the globe, more than three quarters (76%) of respondents in a Nielsen online survey of digital attitudes and behaviors say they enjoy the freedom of being connected anywhere, anytime. While this flexibility can be a benefit to us, it represents a huge challenge for brands and content providers vying for our attention.

While media fragmentation is happening across all formats, the “Screen Wars” report focuses on video programming, which we define as any type of content, such as TV, cable shows, professional video or user-generated content, that is watched on your TV, PC, mobile phone, tablet or e-reader device. The Nielsen Global Digital Landscape Survey polled 30,000 online respondents in 60 countries to understand how the changing digital landscape is affecting how, where and why we watch video programming. We also examine consumption preferences for video programming, including the devices most commonly used for selected genres and the devices used to view video at home and on the go.

Watching How, When and Where We Want

While the explosion of devices and platforms has given us more access to content and brands than ever before, video programming remains a strong influence in our lives. In fact, more than half of global respondents (55%) say video programs are an important part of their lives. The way audiences watch video, however, is shifting.