Internet use has been at its all time peak during the COVID-19 induced lockdown across the world.?
In such times, Indians have emerged as the biggest consumers of online videos, averaging at around five hours and sixteen minutes every day.
A new global report by Limelight Networks Inc titled ˇ°How Video is Changing the Worldˇ± confirms the stats. The report highlights ways in which online videos are being used for various activities ranging from social interactions to corporate meetings and even e-sports.
As per the report, 97.8% of surveyed Indians used video chat during the pandemic to feel connected to their loved ones. 65.4 percent of these use it multiple times a day.
A whopping 91.7 percent of people used online video to stay informed through live stream speeches and press conferences during the pandemic. Of these, 70.3 percent live streamed on news sites, while 21.4 percent live streamed on social media.
As for work, the report mentions 93.8 percent of participants hailing online video for helping them carry out their daily activities.?
One third (30.8 percent) of Indian consumers were offered work from home for the first time by their organisations thanks to this connectivity.
To further develop their professional profile, more than half (67.3 percent) of Indians have or plan to use online video for professional development or to learn a new skill. Most (86.2 percent) of the respondents believe that such video-based learning will continue post the pandemic.
With the lockdown being experienced worldwide, several new trends have thanks to online videos. The report indicates a rapid increase in tele-health in India. As many as 45.8 percent of Indians had a virtual consultation with their doctor. Worldwide, one-third (34.6 percent) of respondents plan to hold such tele-health appointments for the next six months.
Another interesting trend is that of eSports. As much as 64.3 percent of Indian consumers claimed to have their first eSports experience during the pandemic. More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of Indian respondents also attended their first virtual concert.
With a rising focus on health, exercising also gained much fame online. As many as 55.6% percent Indians confirmed participation in an online fitness class and another 26.8 percent plan to do so in the next six months.
The report took these responses from 5,000 consumers aged 18 and older in France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Scandinavia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States who watch one hour or more of online video each day.