Netflix Overtakes BBC as UK's Preferred TV Platform

Netflix has become the leading choice for television viewers in the United Kingdom, overtaking the long-standing publicly funded broadcaster BBC, according to data released by Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. The latest figures show that 26% of viewers now select Netflix as their primary platform, compared to 25% who choose the BBC.

This change signifies the intensifying competition faced by traditional television from streaming and online video platforms. Commercial broadcaster ITV also remains a significant choice, with 15% of audiences naming it as their preferred platform. Meanwhile, the proprietary streaming services of traditional broadcasters, such as BBC iPlayer and ITV, are experiencing rapid growth, marking the fastest-expanding category of TV services with a 9% increase in viewing time.

Subscription streaming services now reach approximately 70% of UK households. Ofcom reports that this figure has largely stabilized after a period of accelerated growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, viewership of traditional linear television is declining. By 2025, it is projected that 70% of Britons will watch at least 15 minutes of traditional broadcast TV per week, down from 73% in 2024 and 78% in 2022.

Major sporting events continue to draw substantial audiences. A FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final match attracted approximately 24 million concurrent viewers across BBC platforms. YouTube also continues to see increased viewing time on television devices. Average daily YouTube viewing via TV screens is projected to reach 19 minutes per person by 2025, double the time spent in 2022. Notably, YouTube's popularity is also growing among older demographics, with weekly viewership among those aged 75 and over rising to 33%.