YouTube has emerged as the leading streaming service in Canada, surpassing competitors like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney, according to data from Numeris, the country's TV industry statistics body.
Numeris Data Highlights YouTube's Lead
Following YouTube's annual Upfront event in New York City, the Canadian division of the Google-owned platform released Numeris data covering the period from September 1 to November 30, 2025. This was the first collection period since YouTube joined the Canadian platform-based ranking system.
Numeris reported that YouTube outperformed its streaming rivals by capturing the largest audience among Canadian adults aged 18 to 44. It also had the widest ad-supported reach of any streaming platform available in Canada, including local service Crave.
YouTube's Growing Influence
This Canadian data echoes findings from Nielsen's The Gauge report in the U.S., where YouTube also ranked as the top service for streaming watch time against Netflix, Disney, and Prime Video.
YouTube's success in Canada can be attributed to the decline of traditional cable bundles, which has led viewers to pay for streaming content with ads, thereby reducing subscription costs. Peter Hand, head of video strategy at YouTube Canada, commented, "In an era of ample entertainment choices, Canadians choose to watch what they love. And more than anywhere else, they are choosing YouTube."
Opportunity for Advertisers
YouTube's reliance on advertising for revenue was emphasized as a key aspect of its appeal to Canadian marketers. "For brands, this is about more than just reaching a massive audience; it’s about being invited into a space where viewers are already highly engaged and happy to be there," Hand stated.
As YouTube continues to expand its reach in Canada, the company has announced plans to release additional data from the next Numeris ranking of domestic TV distributors later this summer. This will indicate whether YouTube can maintain its dominance in capturing the attention of Canadian viewers.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/youtube-surpasses-streaming-rivals-canada-1236595926/
