For the first time, video streaming has overtaken traditional television in Germany, according to a new study from digital industry association Bitkom.
The survey, presented ahead of the IFA consumer electronics trade fair, shows that 87% of Germans aged 16 and above now stream films, series or TV shows via the internet – narrowly surpassing the 86% who still watch broadcast television via cable, satellite or antenna.
A year ago, the situation was still reversed: 92% of the population watched traditional TV, compared to 86% who streamed. The new figures mark a symbolic shift in German media consumption habits, underlining the steady decline of classic television as streaming becomes the dominant form of video consumption.
“Despite its high reach, the audience for traditional TV is slowly, but steadily declining,” said Bitkom board member Olaf May. “Last year’s end of mandatory cable TV fees in rental contracts accelerated the trend, with many households switching to alternative reception methods.”
The study also reveals clear differences between age groups. Among 16- to 29-year-olds, half of all streaming users prefer on-demand viewing, watching shows and films whenever it suits them. In contrast, 48% of streaming users aged 65 and above still follow fixed schedules, sticking to traditional linear habits even on streaming platforms.
Overall, 40% of streaming viewers prefer on-demand content, 30% mostly watch live or scheduled programming, while 28% combine both approaches equally.
May stressed that linear TV is far from obsolete: “On-demand has enormous popularity, but linear television is not a dying model. Both forms are merging. Broadcasters now offer catch-up services and on-demand libraries, while streaming providers are introducing live channels. Free ad-supported streaming TV channels (FAST) with fixed schedules are also gaining traction.”
The results are part of Bitkom’s annual Future of Consumer Technology study, based on a survey of more than 1,100 people in Germany. The report highlights wider digital lifestyle shifts, but the headline finding is the end of TV’s dominance in the country it once defined.
The full study Zukunft der Consumer Technology 2025 is available for download at www.bitkom.org/zukunft-consumer-technology.
