Despite some criticism, it was a groundbreaking moment for sports streaming, when the NFL playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens set a new record for the most concurrent viewers on Amazon Prime Video. The highly anticipated matchup, which took place on Saturday night, drew an average audience of 22.07 million viewers and peaked at 24.66 million concurrent viewers.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Prime Video, which aired its first-ever NFL playoff game. The previous record for concurrent viewership was held by a December 5, 2024, game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, which garnered an average viewership of 17.29 million.
The Baltimore Ravens practice in freezing weather for their Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Ravens’ dominant performance contributed to the game’s massive viewership. They jumped out to a 21-0 lead by halftime and ultimately secured a 28-14 victory over the Steelers. Running back Derrick Henry was a standout player, finishing the game with 186 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also played a crucial role, throwing for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
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It has a been a streaming success
Prime Video’s success in attracting such a large audience highlights the growing popularity of streaming services for live sports. The network’s ability to draw millions of viewers for this high-stakes game underscores the potential for streaming platforms to become major players in sports broadcasting.
As the Ravens advance to the Divisional Round to face the Buffalo Bills, all eyes will be on Prime Video to see if it can continue to deliver strong viewership numbers for future games. This record-setting viewership is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports media and the increasing acceptance of digital platforms for consuming live sports content.
The game not only showcased the Ravens’ prowess on the field but also demonstrated the significant impact that streaming services can have on the sports industry. As more fans turn to digital platforms for their viewing needs, the future of sports broadcasting looks increasingly digital and innovative.
