Global internet traffic hit a jaw-dropping milestone in 2024, with over 68 exabytes of data exchanged at DE-CIX Internet Exchanges worldwide. That’s double the volume recorded in 2020 and a 15% leap from the 59 exabytes exchanged in 2023. To put it in perspective, this amount of data could stream a football match non-stop for two million years in high definition.
The numbers aren’t just impressive; they’re game-changing, quite literally. While past surges were often tied to UEFA Champions League streaming, 2024’s standout moment came from gaming. On November 20, global data throughput hit a blistering 24.92 terabits per second, coinciding with the launch of titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and updates to Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming platform. Gamers from around the globe collectively turned the digital world into their playground, setting an all-time record for data flow.
Breaking Down the Surge
Internet-based applications have been fueling this meteoric rise for years. Since 2020, global data traffic has grown by 113%, as cloud services, video streaming, and online gaming became daily staples. DE-CIX Frankfurt, Europe’s largest Internet Exchange, played a significant role, handling over 45 exabytes of data—a 13% increase from 2023. Its single-day peak reached an astonishing 18.11 terabits per second, cementing its position as a digital powerhouse.
Beyond Frankfurt, other regional exchanges also saw monumental growth. North America’s DE-CIX hubs processed over 7,000 petabytes in 2024. New York led with 4,348 petabytes and a 10% traffic uptick, while Dallas boasted a 50% growth rate, clocking in 2,630 petabytes.
The Engines of Digital Growth
From streaming blockbusters to marathon gaming sessions, digital platforms now define entertainment for millions. Video-on-demand services maintained steady demand throughout 2024, while video conferencing experienced seasonal spikes—rising by up to 30% in the third quarter before slowing during the holidays. Gaming traffic, however, reigned supreme, peaking during the festive season and contributing the lion’s share of the year’s data volume.
“As we celebrate 30 years of connecting people and businesses, these milestones reaffirm the vital role of interconnection in modern life,” said Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. He highlighted how their services—spanning nearly 60 locations and connecting thousands of networks—enable everything from artificial intelligence to global sports streaming.
How Big Is 68 Exabytes?
The scale of 68 exabytes is mind-bending. Imagine printing all that data: the stack of paper would be 20 times taller than Mount Everest. In one minute, 186.9 terabytes—the equivalent of 42,000 high-definition movies—flowed through DE-CIX’s exchanges. These numbers showcase the growing appetite for seamless, high-speed digital experiences.
As DE-CIX enters its fourth decade, it continues to expand its footprint across Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. With interconnection services accessible from over 600 cities and connections spanning more than 100 countries, the company’s impact on global connectivity is nothing short of revolutionary.