Report Finds Average Weekly Netflix Streaming Rose by 72 Percent Amid COVID-19 Crisis

It seems Netflix’s upward trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to thrive. According to a new study by market research company, The NPD Group, the streaming giant’s average weekly usage rose 72 percent ever since the stay-at-home mandates went into effect.

In states such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, where quarantine rules are more strict, the study found that people spent significantly more time on Netflix than other parts of the country. According to The NDP Group, time spent on Netflix spiked to 37 percent in the tri-state area, scoring 10 percent higher than the rest of the country.

“While entertainment is not essential for survival, it’s still an essential way to stay sane, while people shelter at home,” said John Buffone, executive director, industry analyst at The NPD Group. “There have been notable streaming video preference shifts toward escapist titles and family programming that viewers are bingeing on to keep themselves entertained.”

The study’s results are consistent with a separate report AT&T revealed back in March. Variety reported AT&T’s business update on showed that Netflix data traffic across its U.S. networks reached record levels on March 20 and 21, though traffic dipped on March 23. According to LightShed Partners, Netflix was on the path to add about 10 million new subscribers, a significantly higher projection than the 7 million the streamer predicted for themselves previously.