The EBU, the European Broadcasting Union, have revealed viewing figures and voting details, following the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest was a huge hit with young audiences around the world, on all platforms, underlining its enduring global appeal in its 70th year. The 2026 Contest, held in Vienna, Austria, reached 131 million people across 35 TV markets* with significant increases in youth engagement and digital interaction. 

The most notable growth was seen in host country Austria and in Australia (+1.2 million each). In Austria, the reach of 4.4 million represented the highest ever recorded in the country for the Eurovision Song Contest. The Grand Final achieved an average viewing share of 42.62%, down 5% year-on-year, but remaining more than two times higher than the average for the broadcast channels (16.9%) and higher than all editions between 2009 and 2023. Linear viewing figures continue to hold strong in a competitive media landscape, once the viewers from the five EBU members who chose not to participate this year are accounted for.

Among Youth (15–24 years old), the Grand Final averaged a viewing share of 54.8%, four times the broadcast channels’ average (13.7%). This increase was larger than last year, highlighting how strongly the Contest boosted public broadcasters’ performances among younger audiences.

In 14 out of the 35 measured markets, the Eurovision Song Contest recorded a viewing share above 50%. The strongest viewing shares were observed in Finland (92.8%), Sweden (85.5%), Norway (83.4%) and Denmark (79%).  For the Grand Final alone ORF, this year’s host broadcaster, in Austria achieved an average audience of 1.6 million viewers, representing a 76% increase compared to 2025. Their viewing share was 61.4%, the highest Eurovision Song Contest viewing share ever measured in the country. Winning broadcaster BNT from Bulgaria achieved a viewing share of 46%. This represents their highest performance across all their 15 participations since 2005. 

Many countries who placed within the Top 10 also delivered standout Grand Final audiences: 

• Italy (Rai): 5.1 million viewers – up 267,000 on 2025 
• Australia (SBS): 464,000 viewers – best audience since 2015, up 299,000 on last year 
• Denmark (DR): 955,000 viewers and 79% share – best audience since 2019 and highest share since 2014 
• Finland (Yle): 1.8 million viewers and 92.8% share – best audience since 2007 and highest viewing share ever 
• Greece (ERT): 2.8 million viewers – highest audience since 2011 

Declines in reach were seen in Poland (-3.8 million), the United Kingdom (-3.7 million), and France (-3.3 million). 

In the first 48 hours following the broadcast, the Grand Final YouTube live stream attracted 5.43 million unique viewers – an increase of 4.6% compared to Basel 2025, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 1.4 million. Overall, YouTube on-demand video content generated 638 million views from January 1 to May 30, while short-form video continues to boom as YouTube Shorts content hit a record 153.4 million views – a 31% increase on 2025. 

Fans cast their votes in 148 countries and territories this year – two more than in 2025. Votes from audiences outside the 35 participating countries were amalgamated and their Top Ten songs awarded points equivalent to one participating country in each Semi Final and the Grand Final. Outside the participating countries, fans voted the most in the United States, Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Slovakia, Türkiye, Hungary, United Arab Emirates and Mexico. 

* Results produced by EBU and based on Glance and relevant partners’ data and Member’s data. Please note the following participating countries are not included in the TV analysis as either they do not have TV audience measurement systems or our broadcaster is not measured: Albania, Armenia, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malta, North Macedonia and San Marino. 

Let us know what you think about the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: EBU