The RTL+ streaming service - RTL Group leans into originals and flexible bundles

RTL+ streaming service now bundles series, live TV and music in one subscription for German-speaking audiences. Anyone holding RTL Group stock (Xetra: RRTL, ISIN LU0061462528) should know this product.

By Julian Reed, ad hoc news B2B & Pro Desk. Reviewed July 04, 2026, 12:34 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

RTL+ streaming service is the first thing you notice when you open the app and a bright thumbnail for a new crime series starts auto-playing with surround sound. The home screen feels packed but not chaotic, with bold colors and clearly labeled hubs for series, movies and live TV.

Bundled streaming and music offering

RTL+ is RTL Group's subscription streaming platform that combines on-demand video, live TV and music under one account for users in Germany and select European markets. The service grew out of the former TV Now offering and was rebranded with expanded content and features in late 2021.

According to RTL Group, RTL+ now offers tiered bundles, including RTL+ Premium and RTL+ Max, which add music streaming via Deezer alongside video content, live channels and an audiobook catalog. On my test account, switching from a drama series to a curated music playlist takes roughly two taps and a short loading pause, giving the service a hybrid feel.

Content focus on German-language originals

RTL+ leans heavily on German-language originals such as "Sisi", "Der König von Palma" and reality formats spun off from RTL linear channels, alongside licensed international series. In Berlin, RTL Deutschland CEO Thomas Rabe has cited RTL+ as central to the group’s push into streaming-driven storytelling and cross-platform franchises.

For viewers, that means many of RTL's primetime shows are available on RTL+ before or shortly after airing on linear TV, with bonus scenes and exclusive spin-offs. An evening scroll through the app surfaces familiar RTL brands first, then rows of algorithm-driven recommendations that borrow visual cues from US streamers.

Pricing, tiers and target audience

RTL+ Premium in Germany is typically priced in the single-digit euro range per month and removes much of the advertising while unlocking full access to series, reality shows, films and live TV from RTL channels. The RTL+ Max bundle, at a higher monthly price, integrates music and audiobooks for households that want one combined subscription.

The service targets German-speaking consumers who follow RTL's entertainment brands and who are comfortable mixing live TV with on-demand viewing and audio. Unlike global platforms, RTL+ speaks directly to viewers interested in regional storytelling and locally anchored reality show formats, rather than chasing worldwide blockbuster scale.

Platform reach and device support

RTL+ runs on smart TVs, mobile apps, browsers and casting devices, with interfaces adjusted for each screen size. On a mid-range Android phone, the app loads in a few seconds over a standard home Wi-Fi connection, with picture quality stepping up smoothly from SD to HD as the stream stabilizes.

From a product perspective, a key technical decision has been to keep the navigation bar consistent across TV and mobile, so users can jump between tabs for video, music and live content without re-learning the interface. Product managers at RTL Deutschland have described that decision as a way to reduce churn among older TV audiences moving into streaming.

Strategic context and RTL Group stock

RTL+ is one of RTL Group’s central digital products as the company shifts from traditional broadcasting toward a mixed model of ad-funded linear TV and subscription streaming. For investors in the US, the most direct financial exposure is through shares of RTL Group traded on Xetra in euros, as there is no active US ADR listing.

RTL Group stock (Xetra: RRTL, ISIN LU0061462528) reflects market expectations around the profitability of RTL+ and its role in the group's broader streaming and advertising strategy.

RTL+ streaming service at a glance

• Product: RTL+ streaming service
• Manufacturer: RTL Group S.A.
• Category: B2B/Pro line
• Launch: Rebranded from TV Now with expanded features in 2021
• MSRP / Price: Tiered monthly subscription, typically in the single-digit euro range for Premium, with higher pricing for Max bundle
• Availability: Primarily Germany and German-speaking Europe, via web, mobile apps and smart TVs
• Target audience: German-speaking viewers seeking RTL entertainment brands and regional originals across video, live TV and music
• Standout / USP: Integrated bundle that combines local-language streaming video, live RTL channels and music/audiobooks under one subscription

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Securities trading carries risks up to total loss.