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Youths directly opt for streaming platforms

Nearly 50% of the British Gen Z demographic are turning to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime for their TV viewing, instead of traditional broadcast channels, as indicated by recent data from the Boston Consulting Group. When users are uncertain about their viewing selection,...

Young adults of Generation Z bypass traditional TV routes, opting instead to subscribe directly to...
Young adults of Generation Z bypass traditional TV routes, opting instead to subscribe directly to streaming platforms for their entertainment.

Youths directly opt for streaming platforms

In the ever-evolving world of digital entertainment, streaming platforms have become a dominant force, particularly among younger generations. According to recent data, YouTube leads the pack among Gen Z in the Netherlands, with an 83% usage rate, followed closely by Netflix (74%), Amazon Prime Video (56%), and TikTok (54%).

These figures highlight the high levels of digital viewership among young adults in the Netherlands. The trend is not unique to the Netherlands, as streaming platforms have gained significant traction across Western Europe.

However, attitudes towards license fees differ across Europe. For instance, Germany holds a net negative opinion towards license fees, while the UK and Switzerland exhibit a more balanced perspective.

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, predictions suggest that the Dutch streaming market will see significant changes over the next five years. Global leaders such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are expected to gain larger market shares due to their strong international presence, diverse content libraries, and continuous investment in local content tailored to Dutch viewers. Local and regional platforms focusing on Dutch-language content and niche markets may also increase their market share as consumer preferences evolve.

The streaming market is also facing challenges, particularly in the area of traditional license fee funding models. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, concerns regarding the long-term viability of public broadcasters without structural reforms are on the rise.

Despite reduced consumption of public broadcasting content, younger viewers generally express greater support for license fees. In fact, among Gen Z viewers in the UK, over half start watching TV on streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime over traditional broadcast channels.

The waipu.tv streaming box, priced at €99.99, is set to launch, combining classic TV with streaming services. The box boasts a quad-core processor, 4GB RAM, 32 GB memory, 4K/UHD, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, making it a competitive offering in the market.

The streaming market in the Netherlands shows signs of consolidation, with most European consumers subscribing to four or five streaming platforms, with global companies occupying at least three spots in each market.

Looking ahead, IBC 2025 in Amsterdam will focus on the latest trends in the streaming industry. Fabric, a company that shares insights into the Dutch streaming market, has highlighted several trends ahead of the event. Among Gen Z viewers, four out of the five most frequently used platforms for video consumption are global streaming services.

In other European countries, such as France, streaming platforms are making significant contributions to the local audiovisual and cinema production. For instance, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video contributed a combined €362 million to French production.

Interestingly, younger audiences (Gen Z and Millennials) are 15% more willing to pay to watch sports than Gen X and Boomers in the UK. This trend suggests a shift in consumer behaviour towards paying for premium content.

As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it's clear that the Netherlands, along with other European countries, will play a significant role in shaping its future.

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