YouTube announced on Monday that its first-ever unique international broadcast of an NFL sport broke a file for the corporate, attaining probably the most concurrent viewers of a reside stream on the platform. Over 17.3 million viewers from greater than 230 international locations and territories worldwide tuned in for the sport between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo.
This determine represents the common minute viewers (AMA) that watched the sport final Friday. Within the U.S., there have been 16.2 million AMA throughout YouTube and different platforms, in response to Nielsen knowledge, whereas YouTube’s personal numbers indicated 1.1 million AMA outdoors the U.S.
This unique broadcast is a part of YouTube’s expanded partnership with the NFL, which was introduced in Might through the firm’s annual Upfront occasion. The deal is geared toward attracting extra advert income, and the corporate doubtless hopes that this new achievement shall be well-received by advertisers.
Nonetheless, compared to different NFL broadcasts on streaming platforms, the viewership numbers are barely decrease than these of Netflix. Netflix’s 2024 Christmas doubleheader game averaged over 24 million viewers.
Whereas the numbers could seem underwhelming, YouTube believes its creator-driven viewing expertise units it aside from rivals. The printed showcased a lineup of fashionable YouTubers, together with Deestroying, MrBeast, Haley Kalil, and Marques Brownlee, amongst others. KAROL G additionally carried out the halftime present.
As for the way folks felt about having these creators concerned within the broadcast, reactions had been blended. Whereas some followers loved seeing their favourite YouTubers, others thought the sports activities commentary was a bit “cringe.”