French Video Consumption: Streaming Surges as Viewers Watch 4+ Hours Daily

French audiences are dedicating a significant portion of their day to video content, whether on their smartphones or in front of the television. A new report reveals evolving viewing habits, with traditional television still holding strong but facing increasing competition from streaming services.

Shifting Viewing Habits

According to a recent analysis by Médiamétrie, the average French viewer spends 4 hours and 14 minutes each day consuming video content across all platforms. While live television remains the dominant choice, accounting for 61% of viewing time, video on demand – encompassing streaming, social media, and catch-up services – is rapidly gaining ground, rising to 39% in the latest report, up from 36% in 2024.

Did You Know? 94% of French households now have a smartphone, and 72% have a connected television.

This surge in on-demand viewing is directly linked to the increasing prevalence of multi-screen setups in French homes. Currently, 94% of households possess a smartphone, and 72% have a connected television, enabling viewers to access content on a variety of devices.

Demographic Trends and Content Preferences

The shift towards on-demand video is particularly pronounced among older demographics. Viewership of “à la carte” content has increased by 21% among those over 50 since 2023, and by 17% among those aged 35 to 49.

Expert Insight: The increasing adoption of streaming services and connected devices suggests a broader trend towards personalized and flexible viewing experiences, potentially reshaping the future of television consumption in France.

Looking at specific content preferences, sports continue to be a major draw for French viewers. The final match of the Champions League, PSG-Inter Milan, topped the annual audience rankings with nearly 11.8 million viewers (broadcast on M6 and Canal +). Other popular sporting events included the Six Nations Tournament, with 9.8 million viewers for the France-Scotland match on France 2, and Roland-Garros, attracting seven million viewers for the men’s final on France 3.

Beyond sports, content addressing societal issues is also capturing attention. Médiamétrie notes that news, political coverage, violence against women, and mental health are prominent themes in popular programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average daily video consumption in France?

The average French viewer spends 4 hours and 14 minutes each day watching video content across all platforms.

What percentage of video viewing is now on-demand?

Video on demand accounts for 39% of total video consumption, an increase from 36% in 2024.

Which sporting event had the highest viewership in 2025?

The final match of the Champions League, PSG-Inter Milan, was the most-watched event, with nearly 11.8 million viewers.

As streaming services continue to innovate and expand their offerings, and as more households adopt multi-screen viewing setups, will traditional television be able to maintain its position as the dominant force in French entertainment?