Report: Video Drives Internet Use, Immersive Tech to Skyrocket

Report: Video Drives Internet Use, Immersive Tech to Skyrocket

LOS ANGELES — A new report reveals that over the next five years, “global digital transformation will continue to have a significant impact” on content consumers, creators and service providers alike.

Among the findings of the Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) Complete Forecast are a projected increase in internet users from 3.3 to 4.6 billion (58 percent of the global population), dramatic increases in personal device and machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, and a boost in average broadband speeds from 27.5 Mbps to 53.0 Mbps.  

Online video viewing is on the rise, continuing to dominate internet usage with a projected jump from 73 percent to 82 percent of total IP traffic, which is expected to triple from 2016’s 1.2 zettabytes to 3.3 zettabytes by 2021.

That’s a whole lot of data — and it includes a whole lot of porn — with what is truly more video released in the blink of an eye than is watchable in a lifetime.

“Globally, there will be nearly 1.9 billion internet video users (excluding mobile-only) by 2021, up from 1.4 billion in 2016,” the report states, predicting this enormous user base will generate “three trillion internet video minutes per month by 2021, which is five million years of video per month, or about one million video minutes every second.”

The report also notes that emerging mediums such as live internet video will increase 15-fold and reach 13 percent of internet video traffic by 2021, including TV apps and personal live streaming on social networks. This, of course, includes the adult webcam industry, which continues its meteoric growth.

As expected (and hoped for by the adult industry), new technologies will have a significant impact on the internet’s future.

“While live streaming video is reshaping today’s online entertainment patterns, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also gaining traction,” the report reveals. “By 2021, VR/AR traffic will increase 20-fold and represent one percent of global entertainment traffic.”

That is positive news for those investing in an immersive future.

The complete report can be viewed here

An infographic is available here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Court Approves Class Action in Labor Claims Against VMG

A U.S. district court has granted class certification in a civil lawsuit filed against Vixen Media Group (VMG) by retired performer Kenzie Anne, making it possible for additional performers to join in a class action against the company.

Brazil Invites Public Input on Guidelines for New Digital Law

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is soliciting public comments to help improve interpretation and application of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

X3 Expo Unveils Euro All-Stars for Inaugural Amsterdam Edition

X3 Expo, Hollywood's premier adult entertainment expo, makes its European debut at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam Sept. 11-12, bringing together fans, creators, and industry insiders for the Continent’s largest assembly of adult entertainment stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

2026 Pornhub Awards Nominees Announced

The list of nominees has been revealed for the eighth annual Pornhub Awards, which will be held May 27 in Los Angeles.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for February, March

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters, by country, for February and March.

BranditScan Rolls Out 'UrLinks' Platform Feature

BranditScan has introduced its new UrLinks homepage feature for creators.

UK Outlaws Content Featuring Choking, Adults Portraying Underage Characters

The U.K.’s Crime and Policing Bill received final passage in Parliament on Monday, including provisions criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” as well as sexual content in which adults portray underage characters.

Grooby Launches 30th Anniversary Campaign

Grooby is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a showcase campaign featuring 30 of the studio's newest models.

Island Conference Joins ASACP as Media Sponsor

Island Conference has signed on as an in-kind media sponsor for the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

Elly Clutch, Girthmasterr to Host 2026 XMA Creator Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce Elly Clutch and Girthmasterr as co-hosts of the 2026 XMA Creator Awards, presented by premium creator platform Fansly.

Show More