Observed Signal · Jul 16, 2026 · Study Release · Source: Horizont · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral

AGF Platform Study 2026-I: Discovery Shapes TV

Executive Signal Summary

The AGF Platform Study 2026-I finds that linear television remains the primary entry point to video consumption in Germany, but smart-TV interfaces, streaming apps and direct-selection buttons on remote controls are increasingly steering which content viewers discover. The study reports that 56.2% of Germans use platform buttons at least occasionally, while the share of frequent users has fallen slightly. The findings highlight shifting gatekeepers in content discovery with implications for broadcasters, streaming services and TV advertisers.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

The AGF study highlights shifting content discovery pathways (smart-TV UIs, streaming apps, remote buttons) that affect content discoverability, inventory access and monetization for broadcasters, streaming services and TV advertisers in the German market.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • AGF published the 'AGF-Plattformstudie 2026-I' (AGF Platform Study 2026-I).
  • 56.2% of Germans use platform (remote control) buttons at least occasionally; the share of frequent use has declined slightly.
  • Linear television remains the main entry point to video usage in Germany.
  • Smart TV interfaces, streaming apps and direct-selection buttons on remotes are increasingly influencing which content viewers find.

Connected Companies & Entities

4 Entities mapped

“With one click to Netflix and co.? 56.2 percent of Germans use platform buttons at least occasionally, but the share of frequent use is decl...”

“The new AGF platform study shows: Smart TV interfaces, streaming apps and direct-selection buttons on remote controls are increasingly influ...”

Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: Horizont•Published: Jul 16, 2026
Original Coverage Title: “AGF-Plattformstudie 2026-I: Die Zukunft des Fernsehens entscheidet sich vor dem Programm”

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CTVJul 15, 2026

Netflix Most Visible App on Smart TV Interfaces

A new AGF Videoforschung platform study (with >2,500 Kantar interviews conducted between February and April) links Smart TV technical default settings with viewer navigation to map TV user journeys in Germany. Key findings: turning on TVs still happens almost exclusively via remote control (96.8%); most households first see live TV (68.2%) while 29.6% see a user interface requiring further action; Netflix is the single most-visible app on Smart TV home screens (47.4%), and 54.0% of respondents have at least one remote direct-access button for streaming services. The study also shows younger viewers more often start viewing sessions directly in streaming services, and that access to broadcaster catch-up apps is migrating from Red Button to internet menus or app tiles.

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