Video On-Demand streaming services such as iQiyi are a staple of modern love. In the 21st century, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any couple not spending quality time streaming their favourite films and TV series together, and couples in Singapore are no exception.

For Valentine’s Day this year, iQiyi has commissioned a survey across four markets — Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand — seeking to track how streaming behaviours and habits corresponded to different stages of a relationship.

The survey revealed several interesting statistics. For instance, around 58% of local respondents shared that they had experienced expectations from their partners to match up to ideal characters or behaviours from certain shows, with more female respondents being a majority of the ones to encounter such expectations.

Stream and match

Nervous on a first date? Kick off your first contact with a potential partner with some quality time by streaming a show together! 53% of respondents here in Singapore believe that streaming a show together would be a viable first date option with a potential partner.

Picking a show for the first date can often decide whether sparks fly, or if both parties are going home early. Aside from the safe choice of romance (60%), other popular first date genres included comedy (45%) and action (34%) shows, according to survey results.

Sharing her thoughts on the results, Dr. Angela Tan, Intimacy Coach and Co-Founder at the Academy of Relationship and Sex said, “It is natural for most people to feel nervous on their first date, so watching such genres of shows can go long way in helping to lighten to mood and ease the tension between the two parties. Discussing the plot of the show can also make for a great conversation starter, and set the tone for a new and blossoming relationship.”

Is your suitor suitable?

In the early stages of a relationship, how can you tell if your partner is the one? While there can never be a certain answer, iQiyi’s streaming survey provides a good indicator of how new couples size each other up, based on their streaming compatibility. 52% of the respondents agree that the streaming choices of their partners are an accurate reflection of the kind of person they are, and a reflection of their taste.

“One’s choices in media consumption can be a reflection of their sophistication,” said Dr. Angela. “Some people may find themselves surprised and discover a different side to their partner after seeing their preferred genre of shows. For example, a macho and tough man may turn out to enjoy romantic dramas, reflecting a gentler side to himself.”

Almost 3 out of 4 of those surveyed in Singapore also shared that they will have a better impression of dates who are paying for their own streaming accounts.

The next episode

Love languages are crucial in every relationship, with many of them being translatable to streaming habits and practices as well.

75% of survey respondents in Singapore shared that they consider sharing the same streaming account with their partner as a gesture that helps to advance the relationship, or a show of commitment, while unsurprisingly, over 70% of respondents revealed that they enjoyed spending quality time with their partners by watching shows together.

“Quality time is important in any relationship, and is a major love language,” said Dr. Angela. “Sharing an account — and hence a common password— together can also be a show of long-term commitment for the couple, exhibiting a desire to co-own something that they can enjoy together.”

Other than sharing an account, almost 3 in 4 respondents also shared that they would be happy to receive a streaming membership from their partner as a gift.

Unsubscribe from your relationship

The end of a relationship is never an easy process. When you fall out of love, are you able to look back at the things you enjoyed with your previous partner?

For 50% of our Singaporean respondents, it was difficult for them to revisit shows they watched with their ex-partners after a breakup. The survey respondents were also quizzed on their pet peeves when it comes to streaming, and it was found that the top three most unbearable habits while streaming include spoiling a show, speeding up the show while the other party is watching, and being judgmental about one’s partner’s choice of show.

“It is natural for couples to have pet peeves and unbearable traits of each other that they can’t stand,” said Dr. Angela. “However, to ensure a healthy and smooth relationship, these things need to be communicated candidly with each other, and effort has to be put in from both parties to work on their own bad habits to improve the relationship.”

iQiyi launches new Chinese series Oh My Lord in line with Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day itself (14 February), iQiyi will also introduce a new original C-Drama series Oh My Lord (惹不起的千岁大人), starring Chinese actress Ji Mei Han as Chen You You, a smart and cheerful girl who is forced to marry the unpredictable Lord QianSui, Bai Li, played by Luo Zheng.

This historical romance will definitely be enjoyed by couples who are looking for a new show to indulge in this Valentine’s Day!