ZDF Streaming Portal Surpasses Commercial Rivals in German Market Reach
MAINZ, 19 January 2026 – Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF has successfully transformed its traditional media library into a modern streaming portal, now reaching more than 60% of the population aged 14 and above. According to the latest ARD/ZDF media usage study, the public broadcasting streaming networks of ARD, ZDF, Arte, and 3sat have collectively outpaced commercial services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in terms of reach, though YouTube remains the single most used platform at 72%.
From Media Library to Streaming Powerhouse
In March 2025, ZDF completed a comprehensive relaunch of its online offering, officially transitioning from the “ZDFmediathek” to simply “ZDF” – a full-fledged streaming portal. The broadcaster abandoned the logic of a classic TV-centric media library in favour of a user-centred approach with improved navigation, extensive metadata, and algorithm-based recommendations. “With the launch of this service, ZDF is setting new standards for a modern, intuitive and inclusive streaming portal,” said Florian Kumb, Head of the ZDF Audience Directorate.
The technical enhancements were combined with contemporary design and user-friendly content presentation to create an intuitive experience across all common devices. Special attention was paid to barrier-free accessibility, reflecting ZDF’s public service mandate to serve all segments of German society.
Content Library and Key Features
The ZDF streaming portal offers an extensive catalogue including popular series like Der Bergdoktor, Frühling, and international hits such as Death in Paradise and Inspector Barnaby. The platform also features documentary series like Terra X, political satire with die heute-show, and comprehensive news coverage through programmes like heute journal.
Notably, many programmes are available through the “Web-First” principle before their television broadcast, including ZDF Magazin Royale (available approximately three hours before TV airing) and various documentary formats. Most content remains available for thirteen months, though this varies depending on legal requirements.
Technical Specifications and Access
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Availability | Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs (Fire TV, Android TV, AppleTV), HbbTV |
| Live Channels | ZDF, ZDFneo, ZDFinfo, 3sat, Phoenix, KiKA, Arte |
| Offline Viewing | Available through app download functionality |
| Personalisation | “Mein ZDF” with watchlists, recommendations, and cross-device sync |
| Joint Network | Integrated with ARD Mediathek for shared search and content access |
International Access and Geoblocking
While the ZDF streaming portal is freely accessible within Germany, many contents – particularly sports broadcasts, films, and licensed series – are subject to geoblocking when accessed from abroad. This restriction stems from licensing agreements that typically grant ZDF broadcasting rights only for German territory.
International users can circumvent these restrictions using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services that provide a German IP address. Popular VPN providers for this purpose include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, all of which maintain servers in Germany. While this practice exists in a legal grey area regarding license circumvention, it is not actively prosecuted against individual users.
Market Position and User Statistics
The 2025 media usage study revealed significant trends in German streaming habits. The public broadcasting streaming networks now reach over 60% of the population, with 85% of Germans using more than one streaming service (averaging 2.5 platforms per person). Podcast usage continues to grow, particularly among those over 30, with daily reach increasing by 3% to 14% across all age groups.
Despite digital growth, traditional television and radio maintain the highest reach. Overall daily media consumption in Germany remains stable at 6.5 hours per person per day, with cross-media daily reach at 98%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ZDF streaming service free?
Yes, the service is funded through Germany’s broadcasting licence fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) and is free to access without subscription. Some content may require registration for personalisation features.
Can I watch ZDF from outside Germany?
While basic access to the website is global, most video content is geographically restricted to Germany due to licensing agreements. Users abroad typically need a VPN service with German servers to access the full streaming catalogue.
How long are programmes available?
Most content remains available for approximately thirteen months, though this varies. News programmes and some series may have shorter availability windows. The “Last Chance” category highlights content that will soon be removed.
What devices are supported?
The ZDF streaming portal is available on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through dedicated apps or browser access. Specific apps exist for ZDF, ZDFheute (news), and ZDFtivi (children’s content).