Streaming Culture in Canada: From CBC Gem to TikTok Stars

In a country as vast and diverse as Canada, the way people consume media is evolving faster than ever. From coast to coast to coast, Canadian audiences are redefining what it means to be entertained—and informed—through the ever-expanding universe of digital streaming.

The Transformation of Traditional Media

While cable TV subscriptions have steadily declined, Canada’s national broadcaster CBC has found new life through its streaming platform, CBC Gem. In 2025, it continues to serve as a cultural touchstone, offering everything from French-language drama series from Quebec to Indigenous-led documentaries in the North.

CBC Gem's original programming saw a 42% increase in viewership in the last year alone¹, especially among viewers aged 18 to 35. Its success shows that traditional broadcasters can pivot effectively—if they listen to the audience and offer on-demand access.

The Rise of Short-Form Content

Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have revolutionized the definition of “entertainment.” From comedic skits and dance trends to political commentary and Indigenous language preservation, Canadian content creators are finding audiences in the millions, both at home and globally.

Fun Fact:

The hashtag #CanadaTok now garners over 7 billion views globally—more than any other national TikTok tag in North America.

Local Creators, National Impact

Creators from small towns are becoming household names. Take Mia Chen from Richmond, BC, whose environmental science explainers regularly rack up views in the millions. Or Darnell White from Halifax, whose historical mini-series on Black Canadian heritage has sparked national discussions and led to school curriculum updates.

Streaming Habits by Province

Interestingly, where you live in Canada influences how you stream:

• Quebec: Still sees strong demand for French-language platforms like Club illico and Noovo.ca.
• Ontario: Dominated by Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, but with growing traction for Crave due to HBO content.
• Prairies: More than 40% of users consume Indigenous-led content weekly, particularly via APTN Lumi.
• Atlantic Canada: CBC Gem is a regional favourite due to coverage of local issues and culture.
• Northern Territories: Streaming is more constrained due to infrastructure challenges, but offline downloads and satellite-supported platforms have grown.

Censorship, Algorithms & Canadian Identity

In 2025, one of the most hotly debated issues is the influence of algorithms on cultural content. The recent push by the CRTC to ensure "Canadian discoverability" on major platforms has led to a blend of praise and concern—particularly from creators unsure how their work is being filtered or promoted.

There's also the challenge of maintaining Canadian cultural identity in a digital space largely dominated by U.S. trends. Yet, creators are finding ways to infuse their work with distinctly Canadian references, humour, and values—resonating with global audiences tired of homogenized content.

Youth Engagement and the New “Cultural Literacy”

Generation Z and Alpha are growing up with their first screen being a smartphone, not a TV. According to recent polls, 78% of Canadians aged 13–24 say they discover news through TikTok or YouTube, not newspapers or traditional broadcasters.

Clarification:

This doesn’t necessarily indicate misinformation is on the rise—many young Canadians cite TikTok creators like @truecanadianpolitics or @genzgreen as their go-to sources for accurate, simplified current events.

What's Next for Canadian Streaming?

With technology advancing and AI-generated content starting to appear in feeds, the future of streaming in Canada is both exciting and uncertain. However, one thing is clear—Canadians are no longer passive consumers. They're creators, curators, and global voices shaping a new kind of culture.

From Nunavut to Newfoundland, the screen may be small, but the stories are bigger than ever.