Video streaming: Do you know what your kids are watching?

Teens aren’t mindlessly watching videos—they’re curating their own media worlds. And it’s changing how they think, learn and influence those around them, according to a recent study by media research group Magid that was commissioned by Verizon.

What does teen video streaming mean for today’s families? Here, Sarah Holmes, Senior Vice President of Research at Magid, shares more details from the research and what parents need to know.

Your teen is a content strategist.

The study shows a shift in how today’s teens process, prioritize and participate in video streaming. They’re not just watching passively—they’re:

• Sifting through hundreds of videos to find what matters
• Going down interesting rabbit holes, fast
• Shaping what the whole family watches next

This means that your teen is more than a consumer of content. They’re developing the skills of a media critic and a digital decision-maker, whether they realize it or not.

Short-form video is a deep dive into their interests.

Nearly 60% of teens prefer short videos, meaning those that are under a minute long. (In comparison, 23% prefer TV, and 10% prefer movies.) At first glance, that could mean shrinking attention spans, but Holmes suggests something else. Magid’s research shows that they may be focused on a high volume of short, interest-driven clips that dive deeply into specific hobbies, fandoms or trends.

“It’s not necessarily an indicator of shorter attention spans,” Holmes states. “Rather an intentional focus.”

Try this: Help your kids develop intentionality around their video streaming. Instead of asking them what they’re watching, ask:

• “What videos do you keep coming back to?”
• What’s something new you’ve learned from these?”
• “Why do you think that video popped up as a recommendation for you?”

Video helps teens find what’s next.

According to Magid, 61% of teens watch video daily on social media sites, and more than half do the same on YouTube and other video-sharing sites. It’s not just entertainment. Video is how they learn what to buy, wear and think about. And most of it comes from creators, not brands or experts.

Parents can help teens question where the content is coming from. “Understanding the source of content being pushed to them is important as they weigh how much influence they allow video content to have on their perspectives and opinions,” Holmes says.

Try this: Help your teen learn to check for bias and credibility so they can build their own internal filter for digital information. Ask:

• “Do you know who made that video?”
• “Would this still matter if no one else liked it?”
• “Have you encountered another side of the story?”

Short may rule, but subscription services are here to stay.

Magid found that 86% of teens have access to video streaming services at home, and 56% use free ones. And they’re not passive consumers: 37% influence what everyone in the house watches.

“Kids’ opinions matter, particularly in the household,” Holmes notes. “Parents want to invest in subscriptions that benefit multiple family members and often seek the counsel of their kids.”

Try this: Instead of asking what they want to watch, ask:

• “What’s worth subscribing to?”
• “If we had to cancel one streaming service, which would you keep—and why?”

So what are you watching together?

If you want to understand your teen’s video streaming, don’t just monitor it—join it. The best way to build their trust is to watch, ask, share and repeat.

You’re there for them with Verizon Family. Verizon’s there for you—with a 3-year price lock.*

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