Online media use in Germany declines after a peak in 2022

After a peak in 2022, the use of online media content and streaming services in Germany has declined, according to a study carried out by public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. In detail, there was a decline of 21 minutes to 139 minutes a day across all age groups.

In addition to hours viewed, the number of Germans who use media over the internet has also fallen, although the numbers are still above pre-Covid levels. According to the report, the daily reach for media internet has fallen slightly to 65%, which represents a fall of seven percentage points. In its study, ARD and ZDF concluded that more time is being spent on non-media and activities outside of the home.

Regarding demographic groups, among 14- to 29-year-olds, 82% watch videos on the internet on a normal day, compared to 65% of 30-49s. The daily reach of audio online is also declining slightly, by five percentage points to 37%. Music streaming is still the most widespread application (41% use this service daily or weekly), followed by listening to the radio online (25%) and listening to podcasts or radio programmes on-demand (29%).

Among the major streaming platforms, Netflix and Prime Video continue to clearly lead the market. In the first place, 36% of people use Netflix’s offering at least once a week. Meanwhile, Prime Video is at 26% and positioned ahead of Disney+ (13 %) and Sky’s digital offerings (11%).

“The increase in internet usage during the Covid period has normalized. This means that the competition between digital media providers is becoming tougher,”  commented ZDF Planning Chief Florian Kumb.