Delayed Viewing

Three Key Points (30-Second Summary)
- Definition: Watching TV programs at a later time via recording devices or online streaming services instead of the live broadcast time.
- Background: Driven by diversifying lifestyles and the widespread adoption of official catch-up streaming services like TVer.
- Impact: Led to the introduction of "Time-Shifted Ratings" and "Comprehensive Ratings" to measure program popularity that cannot be captured by live ratings alone.
Why is it drawing attention now?
With diverse daily rhythms, the spread of smartphones, and the rise of video streaming platforms, the habit of sitting in front of the TV at a specific time is declining. However, demand for quality programs remains high; instead, the proportion of delayed viewing—such as recording shows to watch on weekends or streaming them on weeknights—is skyrocketing. In response, ratings agencies like Video Research have started measuring time-shifted viewing ratings within 7 days of broadcast. This serves as a vital new metric for the advertising industry to assess the actual audience reach.
Example Conversation
Person A: "Yesterday's drama had a live rating of only 5%. I'm worried it might get cancelled."
Person B: "In this day and age, we need to look at delayed viewing ratings as well. If the streaming views exceed millions, its comprehensive rating is likely very high, so it should be fine."
Comparison with Similar Concepts
| Concept | Features | Difference from Delayed Viewing |
|---|---|---|
| Live Viewing | Watching a program at the exact moment of its broadcast | Requires matching the broadcast schedule, whereas delayed viewing allows watching at any time afterwards. |
| On-Demand Streaming | Systems allowing users to stream video via internet anytime | Refers to the internet delivery technology, while delayed viewing represents the general viewer behavior of shifting time (including DVR recordings). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: How long is the measurement period for delayed viewing ratings?
- A1: Generally, playback data within 7 days (168 hours) from the original broadcast time is aggregated.
Precautions & Proper Usage
- For programs where immediacy is crucial, such as live news or sports broadcasts, delayed viewing holds less value, and live ratings remain key. Adjust your evaluation based on the program's nature.
About "Delayed Viewing"
This page provides the English definition and usage guide for the professional term "Delayed Viewing." If you have any suggestions, feedback, or corrections regarding our terminology articles, please feel free to reach out via our contact form.