100,000 Subscribers by 2026: Powerful Relaunch for an Iconic Brand

When Edenspiekermann partnered with stern in 2023, the journey ahead was ambitious but uncharted. Stern, one of Germany’s leading current affairs brands, had set a bold target: to attract 100,000 new paying subscribers to its digital platform, Stern+, by 2026. Achieving this vision meant reimagining the digital experience, and Edenspiekermann was brought on board to help steer this transformation. The agency’s role centered on shaping the product vision, enhancing the editorial experience, and working hand-in-hand with Stern’s editorial, design, and product teams to create a digital presence that reflects both Stern’s iconic brand and the evolving demands of its audience.

Today, the relaunched Stern website and Stern+ app bring a fresh visual power to the digital experience. Drawing on Stern’s celebrated visual legacy, the revamped platforms feature an expansive design, intuitive structure, and greater emphasis on multimedia content. Video and audio elements are now seamlessly integrated, enhancing user engagement and bringing stories to life with added depth. In addition to content from Stern and Stern Crime, the Stern+ app also includes content from educational magazine Geo and business magazine Capital.

Chief Product and Revenue Officer Johannes Vogel and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Gregor Schmitz have shared their excitement with media, discussing the forward-thinking strategy that underpins this digital relaunch.

Media Perspectives on Stern’s Strategic Shift

Horizont

Commenting on the business goals connected to the relaunch Johannes Vogel elaborated. “The goal is ambitious: With 100,000 digital subscriptions (Stern+, Geo+, Capital+) by the end of 2026, the aim is to generate revenue in the mid-double-digit millions.”

Meedia

Commenting on Stern's unique positioning, Dr. Gregor Schmitz emphasized: "It is the only brand that fulfills the desire for serious, credible information and playful escapism at the same time." This distinct dual focus is a hallmark of Stern’s new approach, catering to an audience that values both credible journalism and engaging, lighter content—a balance that few brands manage to achieve effectively.

Kress

Dr. Gregor Schmitz highlights the user-centered strategy and alludes to a touch of “opulence” in Stern's design and content, underscoring a refined, visually rich experience that appeals directly to modern readers’ preferences. “Each printed “Stern” contains two or three major stories that are given a special presentation. We are now doing this several times a day in the digital version with an opulence that will really wow I people.”