Netflix vs YouTube

Netflix and YouTube sit in a similar consumer-video category, but their footprints can diverge depending on autoplay patterns, session length, and the device doing the playback.

Netflix

Streaming

55g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

YouTube

Streaming

46g

CO2 / HOUR

Streaming benchmark comparison

Summary

When comparing Netflix and YouTube, Netflix generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (55g) than YouTube (46g). Both applications rely on devices, networks, and server infrastructure, which all contribute to their environmental impact.

Why the gap happens

Netflix is usually used in longer, deliberate viewing sessions.
YouTube often spreads across short clips, autoplay chains, and device switching.
Both depend heavily on the screen and playback hardware rather than only the platform.

What to act on first

If you are trying to reduce this category first, focus on watch quality, autoplay, and the biggest screen in the room.

Netflix is currently modeled at 9g CO2 more per unit of use than YouTube.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full Netflix report Read the full YouTube report

Comparison takeaways

Netflix is usually used in longer, deliberate viewing sessions.

YouTube often spreads across short clips, autoplay chains, and device switching.

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IdleForest is a desktop app that plants trees in the background while your computer is idle. It uses your unused internet bandwidth to fund reforestation projects.

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