GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Streaming Industry Statistics

Diversity boosts engagement, representation remains limited, industry commits to inclusion.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The number of languages spoken in streamed content increased by 30% between 2020 and 2023

Statistic 2

60% of streamers believe that inclusive content leads to increased viewer engagement

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Only 10% of behind-the-scenes roles in streaming content production are held by people from marginalized groups

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80% of content creators believe diversity enhances storytelling quality

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Films and series with diverse casts have 20% higher retention rates among minority audiences

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27% of visual effects professionals in streaming content are from minority backgrounds

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The percentage of women directors in streaming series increased from 9% in 2020 to 22% in 2023

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78% of respondents believe that inclusive storytelling is essential for the future success of streaming platforms

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Only 8% of popular streaming content is produced by minority-led studios

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Data shows that diversity in storytelling correlates with a 25% increase in user engagement metrics

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50% of streaming content creators say they feel pressure to include diverse characters to meet audience expectations

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42% of streaming platform employees are women

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70% of minority content creators report facing barriers to entry in the streaming industry

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Efforts to improve representation in streaming content have increased by 25% since 2021

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35% of streaming industry executives prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their strategic planning

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65% of streaming platforms have implemented DEI training programs for their staff

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Approximately 50% of streaming platform employees believe DEI efforts positively impact company culture

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Platforms have increased investment in DEI initiatives by 35% over the past two years

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Netflix pledged to increase its percentage of diverse creators by 50% by 2025

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65% of industry leaders agree that DEI initiatives improve overall creative output

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Only 15% of speaking roles in streaming series are held by actors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups

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Women make up approximately 45% of main leads in popular streaming series

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Viewership of shows featuring LGBTQ+ characters increased by 25% in 2022

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22% of streaming content in 2023 included at least one character from an underrepresented group

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Netflix’s global content includes over 60% non-white characters in its original series

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Only 12% of writers in streaming industry are from ethnic minority backgrounds

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44% of survey respondents believe that streaming industry has made some progress toward inclusive representation

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33% of viewers feel they encounter stereotypes or biases in streaming show characters

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Streaming services with higher diversity indexing see a 15% boost in subscriber growth

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In 2023, 45% of streaming content included at least one disabled character

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68% of underrepresented minority audiences reported feeling more seen when they see themselves reflected in streaming shows

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55% of streaming industry leadership positions are held by white individuals

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30% of streamed content features characters from multiple ethnic backgrounds

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The representation of disabled characters in streaming has increased by 20% since 2021

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5% of streaming content is produced by indigenous creators

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82% of content aimed at youth emphasizes diverse characters and stories

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Only 9% of leading roles in blockbuster streaming movies are played by actors from underrepresented groups

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40% of viewers in the US say they are more likely to watch content that features diverse characters

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75% of streaming platform subscribers want more diverse content

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55% of viewers feel that streaming platforms are doing enough to promote diversity

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70% of young viewers (ages 18-34) prefer streaming content that features diverse casts

Statistic 42

60% of viewers agree that casting diverse actors helps they better relate to the stories

Statistic 43

72% of viewers from diverse backgrounds believe that streaming platforms should do more to promote inclusive content

Statistic 44

85% of streaming consumers agree that diverse content enriches the entertainment experience

Statistic 45

55% of viewers believe that diversity-focused content leads to more authentic storytelling

Statistic 46

Viewer trust in streaming platforms that promote diversity has increased by 40% over the past three years

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48% of streaming users report that content diversity influences their subscription decisions

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38% of viewers believe that more equal representation of marginalized groups will benefit the industry as a whole

Statistic 49

55% of parents prefer streaming content that includes diverse family models

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Key Highlights

40% of viewers in the US say they are more likely to watch content that features diverse characters
Only 15% of speaking roles in streaming series are held by actors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
60% of streamers believe that inclusive content leads to increased viewer engagement
Women make up approximately 45% of main leads in popular streaming series
Only 10% of behind-the-scenes roles in streaming content production are held by people from marginalized groups
75% of streaming platform subscribers want more diverse content
Viewership of shows featuring LGBTQ+ characters increased by 25% in 2022
55% of viewers feel that streaming platforms are doing enough to promote diversity
80% of content creators believe diversity enhances storytelling quality
22% of streaming content in 2023 included at least one character from an underrepresented group
35% of streaming industry executives prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their strategic planning
Netflix’s global content includes over 60% non-white characters in its original series
65% of streaming platforms have implemented DEI training programs for their staff

Streaming industry statistics reveal a compelling paradox: while nearly half of viewers favor inclusive content and viewership of diverse stories continues to rise, representation behind and in front of the camera remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for more meaningful DEI initiatives to truly transform the streaming landscape.

Content Production, Language, and Global Inclusion

The number of languages spoken in streamed content increased by 30% between 2020 and 2023

Content Production, Language, and Global Inclusion Interpretation

The 30% rise in languages spoken in streamed content from 2020 to 2023 highlights the streaming industry's concerted effort to diversify its linguistic landscape, making global stories more accessible than ever—proving that inclusion isn't just a trend, but a streaming revolution.

Diversity and Inclusion in Content Creation and Casting

60% of streamers believe that inclusive content leads to increased viewer engagement
Only 10% of behind-the-scenes roles in streaming content production are held by people from marginalized groups
80% of content creators believe diversity enhances storytelling quality
Films and series with diverse casts have 20% higher retention rates among minority audiences
27% of visual effects professionals in streaming content are from minority backgrounds
The percentage of women directors in streaming series increased from 9% in 2020 to 22% in 2023
78% of respondents believe that inclusive storytelling is essential for the future success of streaming platforms
Only 8% of popular streaming content is produced by minority-led studios
Data shows that diversity in storytelling correlates with a 25% increase in user engagement metrics
50% of streaming content creators say they feel pressure to include diverse characters to meet audience expectations
42% of streaming platform employees are women
70% of minority content creators report facing barriers to entry in the streaming industry
Efforts to improve representation in streaming content have increased by 25% since 2021

Diversity and Inclusion in Content Creation and Casting Interpretation

While an overwhelming majority of industry insiders recognize that embracing diversity boosts engagement and storytelling quality, persistent disparities behind the scenes—such as limited minority representation in production roles and leadership—highlight that streaming platforms must not only acknowledge inclusion's value but also actively dismantle barriers to truly reflect the rich diversity of their audiences.

Industry Initiatives and Policies on Diversity

35% of streaming industry executives prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in their strategic planning
65% of streaming platforms have implemented DEI training programs for their staff
Approximately 50% of streaming platform employees believe DEI efforts positively impact company culture
Platforms have increased investment in DEI initiatives by 35% over the past two years
Netflix pledged to increase its percentage of diverse creators by 50% by 2025
65% of industry leaders agree that DEI initiatives improve overall creative output

Industry Initiatives and Policies on Diversity Interpretation

While more streaming executives are weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into their strategic fabric—bolstered by increased investments and staff training—the true measure of progress will be when these efforts translate into genuinely diverse stories and cultural shifts that resonate across audiences.

Representation of Underrepresented Groups and Characters

Only 15% of speaking roles in streaming series are held by actors from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
Women make up approximately 45% of main leads in popular streaming series
Viewership of shows featuring LGBTQ+ characters increased by 25% in 2022
22% of streaming content in 2023 included at least one character from an underrepresented group
Netflix’s global content includes over 60% non-white characters in its original series
Only 12% of writers in streaming industry are from ethnic minority backgrounds
44% of survey respondents believe that streaming industry has made some progress toward inclusive representation
33% of viewers feel they encounter stereotypes or biases in streaming show characters
Streaming services with higher diversity indexing see a 15% boost in subscriber growth
In 2023, 45% of streaming content included at least one disabled character
68% of underrepresented minority audiences reported feeling more seen when they see themselves reflected in streaming shows
55% of streaming industry leadership positions are held by white individuals
30% of streamed content features characters from multiple ethnic backgrounds
The representation of disabled characters in streaming has increased by 20% since 2021
5% of streaming content is produced by indigenous creators
82% of content aimed at youth emphasizes diverse characters and stories
Only 9% of leading roles in blockbuster streaming movies are played by actors from underrepresented groups

Representation of Underrepresented Groups and Characters Interpretation

Despite a promising 2023 surge where nearly half of streaming content features diverse characters and over 60% of Netflix’s original series showcase non-white casts, the industry still grapples with systemic biases, as underrepresented actors hold just 15% of speaking roles, minorities occupy only 12% of writing positions, and leadership remains predominantly white at 55%, highlighting that inclusion, while improving, still has significant room for genuine equity behind the camera and across the screen.

Viewer Preferences and Perceptions of Diversity

40% of viewers in the US say they are more likely to watch content that features diverse characters
75% of streaming platform subscribers want more diverse content
55% of viewers feel that streaming platforms are doing enough to promote diversity
70% of young viewers (ages 18-34) prefer streaming content that features diverse casts
60% of viewers agree that casting diverse actors helps they better relate to the stories
72% of viewers from diverse backgrounds believe that streaming platforms should do more to promote inclusive content
85% of streaming consumers agree that diverse content enriches the entertainment experience
55% of viewers believe that diversity-focused content leads to more authentic storytelling
Viewer trust in streaming platforms that promote diversity has increased by 40% over the past three years
48% of streaming users report that content diversity influences their subscription decisions
38% of viewers believe that more equal representation of marginalized groups will benefit the industry as a whole
55% of parents prefer streaming content that includes diverse family models

Viewer Preferences and Perceptions of Diversity Interpretation

With over 70% of viewers craving more diverse narratives and nearly half choosing platforms based on inclusion efforts, it's clear that not only does embracing diversity enrich storytelling and forge stronger connections, but it also stands as a vital strategy for streaming services aiming to retain trust and subscriber loyalty in an increasingly competitive industry.