Two-thirds of all Dutch viewers use on-demand services, according to research by SAMR (Smart Agent Market Response).
According to the research, 68% of all Dutch people use VOD. Usage is slightly skewed towards the young, but still 52% of people above 65 years access on-demand video, compared with 72% of under-25s. Among people between 25 – 34 year the figure is 64%.
The NPO Gemist service (formerly Uitzending Gemist) is by far the most popular, with 49% using the free on-demand portal from the public broadcasters. Netflix is the runner-up, with 25% using the subscription VOD service.
Other on-demand providers are way behind: Ziggo on Demand is used by 18%, RTL XL by 18%, KPN Interactieve TV by 17%, followed by the illegal Popcorn Time with 15%, UPC Horizon with 7%, SBS Kijk with 4%, Videoland (owned by RTL) by 3% and Film1 with 3%.
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Popcorn Time is very popular among the under-25s, with 43% saying they watch the pirate portal. Still, the NPO service is number one with the young set with 50% regularly accessing NPO Gemist.
“The main criticism of young people on the legal services is that their offer is often old, and it takes a long time before new episodes or seasons are added,” commented SAMR’s Paulien Schieven on the popularity of Popcorn Time.
“Youngsters get around this problem quite easily, but as always other age groups will soon follow.”
