US Time Spent With Media H2 2026 Update

Our Inaugural Forecasts for GenAI and Live Sports Reveal Shifting Consumer Behaviors

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About This Report
Media consumption is climbing again after years of slower growth, thanks partly to genAI. New forecasts reveal how AI, streaming video, live sports, and converged TV are reshaping how US adults spend their time—and driving more screen time in the process.
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Daily media consumption will hit a record 13 hours and 26 minutes (13:26) per day this year, fueled by genAI, resilient social media engagement, stronger-than-expected streaming growth, and a slower decline in traditional TV. Live sports will be a rare source of stability amid increasingly fragmented media habits.

Key Question: How much time will US adults spend consuming media each day in 2026 across devices, activities, and platforms?

Key Stat: In 2026, the average adult will spend 16 minutes per day with genAI platforms. Engagement is growing quickly, but for now genAI ranks far behind most activities.

authors

Ethan Cramer-Flood

Contributors

Ross Benes
Senior Analyst
Sol Ipuche
Kyndall Krist
Senior Copy Editor
Oscar Orozco
Senior Director, Forecasting
Emman Velasco
Data Visualization Editor
Jherr Daven Velasco
Data Visualization Editor
Max Willens
Julia Woolever
Director, Report Editing
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US Time Spent With Media H2 2026 Update