: TikTok is projected to dominate daily time spent by teens in 2026 (averaging 1 hour 18 minutes), while YouTube maintains the highest overall reach at 94.1%.

: Nearly 80% of teens watch traditional TV and movies through social platforms like YouTube or TikTok rather than standard cable or standalone streaming apps. 3. Content Preferences: What "Moves" Teens

This report examines the landscape of teenage entertainment and media consumption as of 2026, focusing on evolving "teen moves" in content preference, platform dominance, and the shift toward authentic representation.

: Livestreaming is a major growth area, with 82% of teens watching live video content. YouTube Live and TikTok Live are the primary hubs for these interactions.

Recent research from the UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers and Greater Good Berkeley identifies a significant shift in desired narratives: What Stories Do Teens Want to See in Movies and TV?

Teens average approximately on entertainment media. The "moves" in how they consume this content are defined by: