France: Competition Authority issued report on competition dynamics in the online video content creation sector

On 18 February 2026, the French Competition Authority published an opinion on the competitive functioning of the online video content creation sector, following an inquiry launched in May 2024. The Authority observes that the sector is concentrated around a limited number of platforms, notably YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and, to a lesser extent, Twitch. Barriers to entry and limited substitutability between platforms contribute to creators’ dependence on a small number of intermediaries, resulting in an imbalance in bargaining power. The Authority notes that platforms generally set the terms of their relationships with creators unilaterally, including the design and operation of revenue-sharing mechanisms and content visibility systems. It highlights limited transparency regarding revenue calculations, recommendation algorithms and moderation measures, and recalls that certain practices could raise issues under Article 102 TFEU and Article L.420-2 of the French Commercial Code. The opinion recommends that creators make use of existing legal protections in their commercial relationships and that AI-generated content be clearly identified where relevant for competition. It also calls on platforms to enhance transparency in revenue-sharing arrangements, algorithmic recommendation systems and moderation processes, and to ensure appropriate resources are available to address creators’ queries.