Data revealed that the number of traditional pay TV households in the United States stood at around 58 million in 2023. This figure will likely drop further over the next few years and amount to less than 41 million by 2028. Meanwhile, digital pay TV is becoming increasingly popular. Pay TV is fighting an uphill battle The United States is one of the largest pay TV markets worldwide based on penetration. But even though millions of viewers frequently tune in to watch their favorite shows, news broadcasts, and sports events on the small screen, the U.S. pay TV industry is facing enormous challenges. More viewers are canceling their cable or satellite subscriptions than ever, be it because of mounting prices, limited content offerings, or the proliferation of over-the-top (OTT) video services and streaming platforms. Based on the latest data, over half of TV households in the country are currently without a telco, cable, or satellite TV provider. Can cable companies combat subscriber loss? The cord-cutting movement and other recent changes in consumer behavior have had a substantial impact on the pay TV landscape and its players. In 2023, U.S. pay TV providers suffered a combined net subscriber loss of around five million viewers. This downward trend also extends to the largest pay TV providers in the U.S., such as Charter and Comcast. However, they have recently ventured into the world of streaming to offset subscriber losses, but whether this expansion will be enough to effectively combat churn remains to be seen.

The pay TV provider with the largest number of subscribers at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was Charter, amassing around **** million customers. However, a potential merger of Charter and Cox would become the largest cable TV provider in the U.S., with an estimated **** million subscribers. Second was Comcast with **** million, followed by DirecTV with ** million and the online TV service YouTube TV with *** million. With pay TV providers losing market shares to video streaming services, the number of subscribers has slipped significantly in recent years, with no provider having beyond ** million customers.

According to the statistics of the operating area, the number of cable radio and television subscribers.

The number of pay TV subscribers in the North American countries Canada and the U.S. has dropped off significantly in recent years. By 2029, it is expected there will be **** million pay TV subscribers in the United States and *** million in Canada.

Data on the share of adults who subscribed to a cable TV service in the United States as of January 2023 showed that adults aged 65 years or above were most likely to be subscribers, with half of them stating that they are currently subscribing to cable TV services. By contrast, respondents between the ages of 35 and 44 were the most likely to have subscribed to cable in the past but then cut the cord later on.

The number of cable TV subscribers and the penetration rate data set

Snapshot img

US Pay Tv Market Size 2025-2029

The US pay tv market size is forecast to increase by USD 6.45 billion at a CAGR of 1.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The Pay TV market in the US is driven by the high demand for live programming and sports content, which continues to be a significant draw for subscribers. The ease of use offered by cable TV providers, enabling seamless access to a wide range of channels, further bolsters the market's growth. However, the emergence of online streaming platforms poses a notable challenge. These home entertainment platforms, with their flexibility and affordability, are increasingly gaining traction among consumers. As a result, traditional Pay TV providers must adapt to remain competitive, focusing on enhancing their offerings and customer experience to retain subscribers and attract new ones.
Companies in the market can capitalize on this competitive landscape by investing in innovative technologies and strategies to differentiate themselves and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

What will be the size of the US Pay Tv Market during the forecast period?

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The Pay TV market in the US is characterized by continuous advancements in technology and consumer preferences. Content moderation and user interface design play crucial roles in ensuring user experience optimization and customer satisfaction. High-definition video quality and live streaming are now standard offerings, requiring substantial network bandwidth. Content partnerships and on-demand content are driving media distribution, with artificial intelligence and machine learning powering content strategy and personalization. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are emerging, enhancing user engagement metrics and media consumption patterns. Media consolidation and system integration are key trends, as companies seek to optimize subscription revenue and advertising revenue through innovative marketing strategies.
Digital marketing and social media marketing are essential components of these strategies, while digital watermarking and content licensing agreements safeguard content monetization and intellectual property. Customer data protection and program guide data are critical for maintaining trust and improving user experience. Emerging technologies, such as 5G networks and advanced audio quality, will further shape the Pay TV landscape.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Technology

  Satellite TV
  Cable TV
  IP TV


End-user

  Household
  Commercial


Type

  Postpaid
  Prepaid


Geography

  North America

    US

By Technology Insights

The satellite tv segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic pay TV market of the US, traditional cable TV and satellite providers face intense competition from over-the-top (OTT) platforms and mobile TV services. Content licensing and production costs are significant challenges for cable TV companies, which offer channel packages with hundreds of channels. In contrast, OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video focus on personalized recommendations and data compression to deliver content efficiently over broadband internet. Cable TV companies have responded by offering internet bundles and unique features, as well as adopting business strategies to counteract subscriber churn. Broadcast networks and OTT platforms engage in content creation and distribution, with talent acquisition and customer relationship management playing crucial roles.

Technical support and data encryption are essential for ensuring user experience and protecting intellectual property. Industry regulations, such as antitrust laws and audience measurement, impact the market dynamics. Multi-screen viewing and targeted advertising are popular trends, with wireless networks and edge computing enabling multi-channel television and interactive television experiences. Content delivery networks and smart TVs facilitate content discovery and digital rights management. Content acquisition and aggregation are essential for both cable TV and OTT platforms, with program guides and user interfaces optimized for ease of use. Subscription models and billing systems are critical components of the pay TV ecosystem.

Network infrastructure, network capacity, and data analytics are vital for delivering high-quality content, including 4k resolution and viewership ratings. The convergence of media and technology continues to shape the pay TV market, with fiber optic and cloud computing playing inc

Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV data was reported at 2,233.400 Person th in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,226.700 Person th for Jun 2018. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV data is updated quarterly, averaging 3,363.100 Person th from Mar 2007 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 47 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,619.500 Person th in Sep 2012 and a record low of 2,226.700 Person th in Jun 2018. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.TB001: Communication Subscribers.

Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data was reported at 746.300 Person th in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 741.200 Person th for Jun 2018. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data is updated quarterly, averaging 746.000 Person th from Mar 2016 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 801.800 Person th in Mar 2016 and a record low of 738.800 Person th in Jun 2017. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: Households: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.TB001: Communication Subscribers.

The global pay TV market is experiencing a significant shift, with subscriber numbers dropping by nearly ** million between 2021 and 2023. This trend reflects changing viewer preferences and the increasing popularity of streaming services. Streaming services challenge pay TV dominance In the United States, a major pay TV market, over half of TV households are now without a traditional cable, satellite, or telco TV subscription. Moreover, the pay TV penetration rate fell by ** percentage points between 2014 and 2023, and only around *** in ***** adults subscribed to such services as of September 2023. This decline is largely attributed to the rise of over-the-top (OTT) video services and streaming platforms, which offer more flexible and often less expensive alternatives. Cost comparison favors streaming options However, while the subscription fee for VOD services was affordable to the majority of consumers at the beginning of the streaming era, the cost of subscribing to multiple ad-free streaming platforms is now nearly equivalent to traditional pay TV in the United States. As of early 2024, the combined cost of the top SVOD services Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Paramount+, and Peacock without ads totaled ***** U.S. dollars, compared to around *** dollars for a typical pay TV service. In contrast, for the ad-supported plans of the same platforms, the consumer pays half the amount of pay TV, further incentivizing cord-cutting. This flexible pricing structure, coupled with the convenience and content variety offered by streaming platforms, continues to challenge the pay TV industry's ability to retain subscribers.

Slovakia Telecommunication: Number of Cable TV Subscribers data was reported at 716,409.000 Unit in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 790,042.000 Unit for 2015. Slovakia Telecommunication: Number of Cable TV Subscribers data is updated yearly, averaging 746,738.000 Unit from Dec 2001 (Median) to 2016, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 968,004.000 Unit in 2011 and a record low of 664,426.000 Unit in 2001. Slovakia Telecommunication: Number of Cable TV Subscribers data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Slovakia – Table SK.TB001: Telecommunication Statistics.

Malaysia Number of Subscribers: Pay TV: Households data was reported at 5,948,200.000 Unit in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 5,993,900.000 Unit for Sep 2024. Malaysia Number of Subscribers: Pay TV: Households data is updated quarterly, averaging 6,100,000.000 Unit from Dec 2010 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,615,100.000 Unit in Jun 2021 and a record low of 2,930,000.000 Unit in Mar 2011. Malaysia Number of Subscribers: Pay TV: Households data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.TB001: Telecommunication Statistics: Summary. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

The number of cable TV subscriptions represents the sum of total analog and digital cable subscriptions at the end of each year. Data is sourced from the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.

Snapshot img

Pay TV Market Size 2024-2028

The pay TV market size is forecast to increase by USD 23.6 billion at a CAGR of 2.09% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant shifts as online streaming platforms gain popularity and consumer preferences lean towards more flexible and convenient viewing options. The sustained demand for live programming and sports remains a driving force, attracting viewers seeking real-time entertainment experiences. Cord-cutting, the trend of canceling traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services, continues to rise. Regulations and licensing requirements remain important considerations for market players, necessitating strategic alliances and product development to remain competitive. Ease of use benefits offered by streaming services, such as on-demand access to content and the ability to watch shows and movies at any time, further contribute to the market's growth. As the industry evolves, players must adapt to these trends and challenges to maintain market share and meet the evolving needs of consumers.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by advancements in broadcasting technologies, globalization of content, and the increasing disposable incomes of consumers. This trend is observed across various television platforms, including cable, satellite, and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). Broadcasting technologies have evolved, enabling high-definition content and on-demand viewing. These advancements have led to an increase in the availability of diverse viewing options, catering to different consumer preferences. The globalization of content has further expanded the entertainment landscape, allowing consumers access to a wide range of premium content from around the world.

Similarly, subscription fees for Pay TV services have become more competitive, with bundled service packages offering a combination of exclusive sports channels, digital platforms, and free-to-air television. This strategy appeals to consumers seeking value for their investment. Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in the market, enabling customization options and advanced technology integrations. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to provide content recommendations based on viewer preferences and watching history. Hybrid set-top boxes, which combine traditional cable or satellite services with IP-based content, are also gaining popularity. Premium content remains a key driver for the market.

Also, content providers are investing heavily in producing high-quality programming to attract and retain subscribers. Exclusive sports channels, in particular, continue to be a significant draw for many consumers. In conclusion, the market is characterized by continuous advancements in technology, global content availability, and competitive pricing strategies. These trends are shaping the future of television entertainment, offering consumers diverse viewing options and personalized experiences.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Residential
  Commercial


Type

  Cable TV
  Satellite TV
  IPTV


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The residential segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market experienced significant growth in 2023, with the residential segment holding a substantial share. Traditional cable pay TV continues to provide a reliable and consistent signal in regions with established digital infrastructure, making it an attractive option in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. To remain competitive, pay TV providers have adapted their services, offering digital features and on-demand content.

Furthermore, the integration of streaming services and smart TV functionalities has become commonplace to enhance user experience. The advancement of technology has led to the introduction of high-definition content, such as 4K and HDR broadcasting, which has significantly improved picture quality. Bundling services with internet and phone packages has also emerged as a popular strategy to retain customers. Hybrid set-top boxes enable seamless access to both traditional pay TV and on-demand content, providing flexibility and convenience to viewers. Artificial intelligence and content recommendations further personalize the viewing experience, catering to individual preferences.

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The number of pay TV subscribers in China is decreasing. In 2020, there were around 327.2 million pay TV subscribers and the number was projected to increase to 345 million by 2027. The most populous country in the world has the largest pay TV subscription base in APAC region.

Biggest pay TV markets Compared with other countries, China has already achieved the largest number of pay TV subscribers since 2015. In 2021, second-placed India had about 164 million pay TV subscribers, and the United States, ranked third, had about 75 million. While the figures of China and the United States are expected to slightly drop in the next years, India has show a growth projection. India is forecasted to have over 180 million pay TV subscribers by 2026. Much of the growth of pay TV households is attributed by specialists to government policy to consolidate cable TV operations.

Pay TV market players China is also home of the leading pay TV provider in the world - China Radio & TV. Nearly 252 million people were expected to subscribe to China Radio & TV services in 2020. American company Liberty Global would go from being the second to the fourth largest pay TV provider worldwide by 2020, as two Chinese providers are projected to gain space in the market. Beijing-based China Telecom, one of leading telecommunication provider in the country, is forecast to become the second largest pay TV provider in the world, with about 28 million paying subscribers. BesTV, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group (SMG), is expected to rank third in number of subscribers, just behind China Telecom.

Ukraine Communication Subscribers: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data was reported at 745.400 Person th in Mar 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 754.200 Person th for Dec 2017. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data is updated quarterly, averaging 754.200 Person th from Mar 2016 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 805.300 Person th in Mar 2016 and a record low of 742.200 Person th in Jun 2017. Ukraine Communication Subscribers: TV Subscribers: Cable TV: ow Digital TV data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.TB001: Communication Subscribers.

Forecast: Cable TV Subscriptions in Turkey 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Chile ended 2022 with approximately 3.07 million pay TV subscriptions, down by seven percent from 3.31 million a year earlier. Of the 2023 figure, 2.18 million (or 71 percent) were cable TV subscriptions, while the rest was attributed to satellite TV.

The source estimated that subscriptions to satellite and analog cable TV in Latin America declined between 2021 and 2022, standing at 23.25 million and 40 thousand, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of subscribers to digital cable TV and especially IPTV in the region grew to 30.11 million and 8.11 million, respectively. On average, the overall number of pay TV subscriptions in Latin America was projected to decrease by 1.6 percent between 2021 and 2022.

10 percent of the U.S. population was extremely likely to cancel their subscription to pay television services in the next 12 months, according to a survey conducted in March 2024. The majority of respondents who wanted to cancel their subscriptions were between 35 and 55 years. In contrast, half of individuals over 55 years said they did not plan to cancel their pay TV services in the coming year.