Austrian Influencers May Need to Register as Media Services Under New Law
Austria's media authority says creators who earn money from video channels must register as audiovisual media services, regardless of follower count.
Under Austria's Audiovisual Media Services Act, influencers who monetize their video channels are classified as providers of on-demand audiovisual media services and must notify the regulator KommAustria. The rule does not depend on the number of followers or video length; it hinges on whether the creator earns revenue, controls the content and offers videos for on-demand viewing. Registration is submitted via the eRTR portal and requires information on the operator, content type, update schedule, platform and financing.
While the filing itself is free, a yearly fee of €357 is charged based on turnover, though low-earning creators may be exempt. Michael Petz, deputy chair of KommAustria, stresses a two-month deadline, warning that missed filings constitute an administrative offense punishable by up to €6,000. In 2026, the authority issued 26 decisions on unregistered or late-registered services, mainly involving Instagram, TikTok and YouTube accounts such as Tech-Magnet and vickyliebtdich.
Why it matters
Creators must understand new registration rules to avoid fines and ensure compliance with Austria's media regulations.
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