The latest ARD/ZDF media study shows that YouTube remains the leader in video streaming, podcasts are gaining importance in many age groups, and Instagram is overtaking Facebook and TikTok.
Between January and April 2025, 2,512 people aged 14 and above were surveyed. The use of digital services continues to increase, while daily reach remains virtually stable at 98% and daily usage time at 6.5 hours.
📺 Streaming platforms: YouTube remains unbeatable
In 2025, 85% of people in Germany use more than one video platform – an average of 2.5 services. YouTube has the largest reach at 72%, followed by the media libraries of ARD, ZDF, Arte and 3sat (over 60%). Amazon Prime Video and Netflix follow behind.
🎧Podcasts appeal to all age groups
Podcasts are becoming more popular among all age groups. Interest is growing significantly among the over-30s in particular – to 25% among 50- to 69-year-olds and 14% among the over-70s. The 14- to 29-year-olds remain the most active target group at 48%. Overall, the daily reach of podcasts and on-demand radio programmes has risen to 14%.
The Online Audio Monitor also confirms this trend: 33.8% of Germans aged 14 and above listen to podcasts. This consolidates the audio format as a permanent fixture in the digital media mix.
💡 Conclusion
Media usage in Germany remains dominated by digital media, with clear winners: YouTube for video streaming, Instagram for social media and podcasts for audio. Despite growing diversity, reach and usage time remain at a consistently high level. Germans are more media-savvy than ever before.📱🎬🎧
