As in other markets, a major influence undoubtedly defining the future of Swiss media usage is the rise of digital media and online media access. Online media consumption across genres and types is growing. Additionally, the use of mobile devices for accessing all types of media online, be it to read the news, check social media or stream video content, increases the independence with which Swiss users consume media.
Internet usage in Switzerland has grown steadily over the last decades, with the share of regular internet users reaching close to 90 percent in 2020. In turn, using digital media has become commonplace. Swiss consumers read the news online, and visit social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. They watch video content on YouTube and stream music on Spotify. Traditional media such as linear TV and radio are still popular but can now be consumed digitally in a more flexible and customized manner as well. While listening to the radio, for example, used to be restricted to one type of device in the past, users can now tune into their favorite station on the go on their mobile devices whenever and wherever they like. In turn, the same devices can also be used for reading or watching the news online, watching videos and streaming music or podcasts.
In terms of print media, while circulation figures for magazines and newspapers are not increasing significantly, they are not yet entirely out of the running in Switzerland. Among the daily newspapers with the highest circulation 20 Minuten in German ranked first, followed by 20 minutes in French.