Brighten Your Day

How Internet Entertainment Has Changed

August 5, 2025

The online world has come a long way. In the 1990s there were basic, neon-colored webpages and low-res video clips. Now it’s a fast-paced, algorithm-driven universe of streaming, sharing, and on-demand everything.

From how we watch shows to how we listen to music, the way people experience content today is barely recognizable from the early days of the internet.

via unsplash

Streaming replaced schedule viewing

For decades, watching your favorite show meant tuning in at a specific time. Miss it, and you'd have to wait for a rerun or set up a VHS recorder (VCR). YouTube and Netflix and their many rivals allow us to choose what to watch, when to watch, and on which device. Streaming is now the default option. Viewers bounce between Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, and countless others. These platforms are more convenient and often surpass traditional TV in quality.

Binge-watching entire seasons on a weekend has become a common habit. This has changed how screenwriters create storylines: the old ritual of weekly cliffhangers has mostly been forgotten.

Payments became a breeze

Alongside streaming, payment systems have streamlined the way we engage with content – whether it be TV and film or gaming. No more typing out card numbers for every transaction. Platforms save payment details, and users barely notice the moment money leaves their account.

Users are now accustomed to a few quick taps with their payment info already set up. They might use their debit card for Netflix, their credit card for an Xbox Game Pass subscription, or PayPal for online casinos and sports betting sites.

Short-form is big

TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have reshaped entertainment into something shorter and faster. Videos may be 15, 30, or 60 seconds long, where content creators try to capture attention in the first few seconds.

This short form suits dance trends, quick how-tos, comedians’ crowd work and punchlines, and heartwarming, happy videos of animals. A sleepy kitten, a clever dog, or a rescued fox can rack up millions of views in a few days.

The shift might reflect a deeper change in our attention spans. The longer a video takes to get to the point, the more likely we are to scroll past or click away.

Music streaming changed how we listen

Music has followed a similar path. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music allow us instant access to tens of millions of songs.

No more downloading individual tracks or managing storage. No more buying entire albums and then finding you only like a few tracks. With almost every professionally (and many unprofessionally) recorded songs so easily accessible, we’re now more likely to switch tracks mid-listen if something doesn’t grab us.

Artists often tailor their releases to streaming algorithms. Songs are shorter and hooks appear earlier. Some artists even forgo albums in favor of three- or four-track EPs or a flurry of singles.

Gaming became social

Online gaming, once a niche, is now one of the largest sectors of internet entertainment. Games like Call of Duty aren’t just played – they’re watched, streamed, and the basis of worldwide communities.

Voice chat, live streams, and social feeds have blurred the line between playing and socializing. Gamers might care more about hanging out, chatting, and sharing experiences more than actually playing or winning.

Mobile gaming is a big part of the social gaming movement. Whether it’s Wordle or Genshin Impact, there’s a game for every skill level, demographic, and interest.

Podcasts and audiobooks

Podcasts are huge, offering everything from news recaps to true crime, interviews, and deep dives into fitness and exercise, cooking, gardening, writing, music of the 1960s and 70s, and just about every interest you can imagine.

Audiobooks are a popular alternative to traditional reading. They’re more convenient for commutes, workouts, and multitasking. Many authors, especially of autobiographies, lend their voice to the audiobook version, which gives another level of authenticity and intimacy.

Just like video platforms, podcasts and audiobook apps are powered by recommendations and personalized queues that keep us engaged without extra effort.

Personalization and algorithms

Almost every platform we interact with (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, TikTok) uses data to decide what to show us next. These apps and websites consider your habits, preferences, time of day, and what other users are watching. The goal is to keep subscribed and on the platform as long as possible.

This personalization has made entertainment feel more relevant and accessible, but it also raises questions about variety and discovery. When everything is already tailored to our taste, how often do we encounter something that expands our horizons?

How much of a role will AR and AI have to play?

Someone from the 1930s or 40s would already think we’re in a sci-fi novel. But the next decade may show accelerated advancements: augmented reality concerts and sports events, AI-generated actors, and interactive video formats that adapt in real time.

Content will likely continue to shrink in size but grow in volume. Audiences may become more fragmented, with smaller creators gaining larger, more loyal followings through dedicated Reddit, Twitch and social media communities.

Despite all the change, our desire to be moved, amused, and informed will remain – whether it’s a 3-hour podcast or a 30-second cat video.