Sensor Tower: Netflix US mobile viewership increased 35% during GTA 6 extended preview

Netflix's mobile viewership in the United States surged by 35% hour-over-hour during the extended preview of Grand Theft Auto 6, data from Sensor Tower revealed. Users of the mobile app saw a 50% increase compared to the typical figures from the past 12 Thursdays, while web traffic rose by 125% above average, causing the streaming service to experience technical difficulties.

The surge in viewership also impacted Twitch, where reactions to the preview were recorded, leading to reported outages an hour after the event. Sensor Tower's senior insights analyst, Abe Yousef, noted that leveraging significant events tied to popular intellectual properties has helped bolster Netflix's position as a comprehensive entertainment platform.

By aligning with the launch of a much-anticipated console title, Netflix has successfully converted increased consumer interest into re-engagement from viewers who had previously taken breaks and attracted new subscribers who did not previously have subscriptions. Prior to the premiere, a hacker group leaked gameplay and information about the game.

Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, filed a subpoena against Microsoft, Discord, and X as part of its investigation into the matter. In response to the leaks, Rockstar expressed disappointment, stating that the developer team had not intended for the game to be shared this way. They apologized for the long wait, explaining that the game was nearing completion and wanted to provide the community with more details and official gameplay.