More Australians are spending their time online for entertainment, and the numbers are there to prove it. Data from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that by late 2024, almost 80% of Australian adults were using subscription streaming services on a regular basis. Platforms such as Netflix, Stan, and YouTube are still growing as well.
Australia is no longer an audience that consumes overseas content. It is now exporting local series, short films, and creator-driven content to global audiences. Homegrown shows are being picked up by international platforms, and creators are building huge followings without requiring traditional media support.
Online gaming and digital play join the shift
Gaming has become a major part of the way that people in Australia spend their time online. According to the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), more than 17 million Australians play video games in one way or another, and almost half of those gamers claim that they also observe others playing. The popularity of video content based on games is at an all-time high, particularly on sites such as YouTube and Twitch.
One local success is Meta Runner, a sci-fi animated series from Glitch Productions, which blends video game culture with scripted storytelling. It has been seen by millions of people around the world and demonstrates how online audiences now interact with stories that fall between gaming and animation. This trend is favorable to both players and creators who remain outside of traditional media.
As digital habits have changed, other forms of interactive entertainment have followed. That includes those platforms that host real-money games. These services have rapidly developed in the online world. Today, there are plenty of online casinos for Aussie players that provide features designed for local access, like familiar payment systems and support in Australian dollars.
Online video creates new paths
Social media and video sites are now big players in the entertainment field. YouTube channels such as RackaRacka have become massively popular because of the originals posted there that break the rules of TV.
These creators use the internet to access the fans themselves, which enables them to build a strong following without the need for help from traditional networks. The CEO of Screen Australia, Graeme Mason, has said that the biggest viewership numbers are now in online platforms. This includes short films, comedy sketches, and series made for the web.
One recent standout is The Amazing Digital Circus, which had over 55 million views just weeks after the pilot was posted. These numbers indicate how quickly online content can expand when it reaches the right audience.
Major studios are expanding
The growth in the demand for online content has resulted in a change in the way and the location of content production. Major studios such as Disney, Village Roadshow, and Docklands have all increased their Australian facilities.
New spaces are being constructed and old ones are being upgraded. The idea is to satisfy the growing demand for video production, especially for that targeted at online audiences. Disney has spent more than $400 million on new facilities in Sydney. Melbourne’s Docklands Studios have upgraded their setup in order to attract international shows.
These investments help to increase production capacity while supporting jobs and training. With more online platforms searching for original content, studios are keeping busy throughout the year with new projects.
Talent stays local but reaches far
Australian actors, directors, and producers are no longer compelled to go overseas in search of employment. Many of them now launch projects locally with the intention of distributing online. Chris Hemsworth, for example, started a production company in Byron Bay and has talked about how much easier it is now to work from home and still reach global viewers.
Film schools have also noticed this shift. NIDA reports a 60% increase in applications in the past three years. Students now see a path to success that doesn’t involve going abroad. Through digital release, they can work on local projects and have their work be seen globally. This has altered the way people plan their careers in film and television.
