Historic Viewership Reflects Global Cultural Appeal
China’s 2026 Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group (CMG), has set unprecedented benchmarks with 23.06 billion domestic all-media views as of February 18, marking a 37.3% surge from 2025. The live broadcast dominated 79.29% of national TV viewership, its highest share in 13 years, while averaging 325 million concurrent viewers per minute and peaking at over 400 million.
Digital Engagement Soars Among Younger Audiences
Domestic new media platforms reported 16.2 billion direct on-demand and live views, a 49% annual increase. CMG’s platforms alone saw 770 million on-demand streams and 605 million live views. The accessible version of the Gala, catering to diverse audiences, surged 144% in views. Online discussions generated 27.12 billion reads, with 41.82% of users under 35. AI and robotics-themed segments drew 5.4 times more attention than in 2025, signaling growing interest in tech-driven content.
Global Reach Expands with Cross-Cultural Collaborations
CMG’s 85-language coverage reached 98 countries, with 4,062 public screens showcasing the Gala worldwide. CGTN’s international reports achieved 2.3 billion reads and 843 million video views, up 32.85% and 43.61% year-on-year. Collaborations with nearly 4,000 global media outlets highlighted regional sub-venues and cross-cultural performances, reinforcing the event’s role as a bridge between China and global audiences. Analysts predict the Gala’s emphasis on regional landscapes and innovation will boost local tourism and tech investment.
