5 Ways People Stayed Entertained During the COVID-19 Lockdown

May 17
20:05

2024

Jolie Andre

Jolie Andre

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The COVID-19 lockdown was a challenging time for everyone, but it also sparked creativity and innovation in how people entertained themselves. From rediscovering old hobbies to diving into new digital realms, let's explore the top five ways people kept themselves entertained during this unprecedented period.

A Roller Coaster Year: The Impact of COVID-19

The year 2020 was a whirlwind of events that drastically altered lives worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on both social and economic aspects of life. Governments globally imposed strict lockdowns to curb the virus's spread,5 Ways People Stayed Entertained During the COVID-19 Lockdown Articles leading people to find new ways to stay entertained while in isolation. Here are some of the most popular methods people turned to during this time.

Rediscovering Hobbies

The lockdown provided ample time for individuals to reconnect with their favorite pastimes. Many people who had lost touch with their hobbies found solace in activities like painting, writing, pottery, and playing musical instruments. According to a survey by Statista, 36% of respondents in the U.S. reported spending more time on hobbies during the lockdown (Statista).

Popular Hobbies During Lockdown

  • Painting and Drawing: Art supplies saw a significant increase in sales.
  • Writing: Many took to journaling or starting that novel they always wanted to write.
  • Pottery and Crafting: DIY kits became a popular purchase.
  • Playing Instruments: Online music lessons saw a surge in demand.

Binge-Watching Movies and TV Series

Movies and TV series have always been a go-to for entertainment, and the lockdown only amplified this trend. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ saw a massive increase in subscribers. Netflix alone added 16 million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2020 (BBC).

Top Streaming Services

  • Netflix: Added 16 million new subscribers in Q1 2020.
  • Amazon Prime: Saw a 32% increase in viewership.
  • Disney+: Reached 50 million subscribers within five months of its launch.

The Rise of Social Media

Social media became an even more integral part of daily life during the lockdown. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok saw a surge in user activity. TikTok, in particular, gained immense popularity, with over 315 million downloads in the first quarter of 2020, making it the most downloaded app in a single quarter (Sensor Tower).

Social Media Trends

  • TikTok: Over 315 million downloads in Q1 2020.
  • Instagram: Increased use of Instagram Live for virtual events.
  • Facebook: More engagement in Facebook Groups and online communities.

YouTube: The Go-To Platform for Learning and Entertainment

YouTube became a vital resource for both entertainment and education during the lockdown. From cooking tutorials to fitness classes, the platform offered a wide range of content to keep people engaged. According to YouTube, watch time for "with me" videos (e.g., "study with me," "cook with me") increased by 600% in March 2020 (YouTube Official Blog).

Popular YouTube Content

  • Tutorials: Cooking, crafting, and DIY projects.
  • Fitness: Home workout videos saw a significant rise.
  • Educational Content: Online classes and how-to videos.

Gaming: A Digital Escape

Gaming provided a much-needed escape for many during the lockdown. The gaming industry saw a substantial increase in both sales and online activity. According to a report by NPD Group, video game sales in the U.S. reached $1.6 billion in March 2020, a 35% increase from the previous year (NPD Group).

Popular Games and Platforms

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Became a cultural phenomenon.
  • Call of Duty: Warzone: Attracted millions of players.
  • Nintendo Switch: Sales surged, often selling out.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 lockdown was a period of significant adjustment, but it also led to a resurgence in hobbies, a boom in streaming services, increased social media activity, a rise in YouTube content consumption, and a surge in gaming. These activities not only kept people entertained but also helped them cope with the stress and isolation of the lockdown. The innovative ways people found to stay engaged during this time are a testament to human resilience and creativity.

By exploring these various forms of entertainment, we can appreciate the diverse ways people adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown. Whether through rediscovering old hobbies or diving into new digital experiences, the lockdown period highlighted the importance of staying connected and finding joy in everyday activities.