FOX News Dominates Q1 2026 with 1.5B YouTube Views, Tops Cable

According to data from Emplifi, the US-based network outperformed its international rivals by securing a "record-setting 1.5 billion video views," marking a significant milestone in its digital trajectory.

The network's YouTube performance highlighted a substantial lead over other major American news outlets. FOX News Media managed to outpace its nearest competitor, MS NOW, by approximately 500 million views, as the latter recorded "974 million video views."

Furthermore, the network "doubled CNN's 707 million video views" and exceeded the combined viewership of ABC News, NBC News, and CBS News. Breaking down the terrestrial competition, ABC News recorded "440 million," while NBC News and CBS News saw "364 million" and "194 million" views, respectively.

This performance represents the "sixth consecutive quarter that FOX News Media surpassed all news brands on YouTube," reflecting a 21 per cent increase year-on-year and a 51 per cent rise "quarter-over-quarter among video views."

The network's digital footprint continues to expand through its primary account, which boasts over "15.2 million subscribers," alongside the "Fox News Clips platform," which was introduced last year to provide streamlined reporting and analysis.

Across its various entities, including FOX Business, which contributed "193 million video views," FOX News Media's total YouTube presence neared the 2 billion mark for the quarter.

In addition to video viewership, the network secured the top spot in "social engagement," recording "426 million social media interactions" across major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Data from Emplifi and Comscore Social revealed that the network garnered "219 million Facebook interactions," "75 million Instagram interactions," and "20 million X interactions," alongside "115.9 million TikTok interactions."

This digital momentum mirrors the network's long-standing dominance in traditional broadcasting, where Fox News Channel led all cable networks for the 20th consecutive quarter." During the first quarter of 2026, the channel maintained an average of "1.7 million total day viewers," significantly ahead of the "691,000 for MS NOW" and "577,000 for CNN."

The disparity was even more pronounced during evening slots, where FOX News Media averaged "2.6 million viewers," while MS NOW and CNN trailed with "1.1 million" and "797,000," respectively. Consequently, the network "commanded nearly 60% of the cable news audience" across both total day and primetime segments.

The network's programming strength was further evidenced by its hold on the ratings chart, airing 14 of the top 15 shows on cable news with viewers." This period of growth saw the broadcaster recording "double-digit increases across every hour quarter-over-quarter," solidifying its reach across both digital and linear platforms.

- ANI