Streaming revenue surpasses traditional TV in the Netherlands for first time

For the first time, streaming subscriptions in the Netherlands have outperformed traditional TV packages in revenue terms. Market researcher Telecompaper reports that streaming platforms increased their earnings in the first quarter of 2026, largely due to a Netflix price hike. At the same time, the TV sector continues to lose subscribers.

Telecompaper estimates that revenue from on-demand streaming services rose 10 percent compared with early 2025, climbing to more than €301 million. In contrast, income from basic television packages dropped by 3.5 percent to €291 million.

After increasing its Dutch subscription prices in November by a few euros per month, Netflix has expanded its share of the overall TV and video market to just over 15 percent, according to Telecompaper. The company remains the revenue leader in the streaming sector, although competitors such as Videoland and HBO Max recorded stronger growth rates.

The overall consumer market for TV and video services grew by 1 percent, the market researcher said. However, revenue at leading providers Ziggo and KPN is under pressure as TV subscriber numbers continue to fall.

Ziggo is attempting to counter this decline by expanding its sports content, including adding ESPN channels 2, 3, and 4 to its digital TV packages from July 1. For some customers, this will come with an extra cost of €2.50 per month.