Saudi Arabia: average daily time internet users spent with media by activity 2023

In a survey conducted during the third quarter of 2023, respondents in Saudi Arabia reported visual digital media accounted for most of their internet usage. On the other hand, respondents spent the least amount of time per day on digital audio services such as streaming music and podcasts.

Media consumption in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a growing digital media market. This is aided by strong internet penetration, modern and reliable telecommunication infrastructure, and a large young tech-savvy population. Social media usage, which survey respondents said occupied around three hours of their time each day, was topped by Meta-owned companies. The number of YouTube users in the country has also risen significantly in recent years. Such online ad-based social media platforms provide a significant opportunity for advertisers and companies to engage with potential customers. Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in media and entertainment. In 2014, the state-owned MBC Group launched an ad-free version of its streaming service called Shahid Plus . The total digital revenue of the Shahid platform has consistently increased each year since its launch and has been well-received in other Gulf Cooperation Countries like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider MENA region.

Gaming in Saudi Arabia

Gaming is widely popular among Saudis; Saudi Arabia has one of the highest shares of internet users who play video games worldwide.The country is home to both professional and non-professional gamers, who generate revenue through streaming on platforms such as Twitch, participating in competitions, and monetizing their gameplay. In recent years, the industry has witnessed drastic growth. As part of its larger quest to expand the media and entertainment landscape, Saudi Arabia has injected billions of dollars into the gaming industry. Investments are primarily managed through Savvy Games Group, which is a subsidiary of the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Average daily time internet users spent with media in Saudi Arabia in the 3rd quarter of 2023, by activity (in hours)

Characteristic	Average daily time spent with media in hours
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Release date

February 2024

More information

Region

Saudi Arabia

Survey time period

Q3 2023

Age group

16-64 years

Special properties

Internet users

Supplementary notes

Consumption of different media may occur concurrently.

Television includes both linear (broadcast and cable) television and content delivered via streaming and video-on-demand services. Press includes both online and physical-print media. Broadcast radio does not include internet radio.

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