The Freely streaming platform is celebrating its first year with a significant milestone: half a million weekly users. This success comes as the platform, backed by the UK’s public service broadcasters, unveils a report from Oliver & Ohlbaum projecting it to become the biggest TV device platform in the UK within the next five years.
Currently, Freeview holds the leading position, accessible in over 16 million homes and serving as the primary TV platform for more than 10 million households. However, Freely's growth trajectory is impressive, particularly among younger demographics. The report highlights that the largest proportion of its users are aged 16-34 years.
The free streaming platform, already integrated into new smart TVs and with ‘plug-in and stream’ devices launching later this year, provides live and on-demand content from major UK broadcasters. It eliminates the need for a satellite dish or aerial, and monthly subscriptions. The platform's appeal is evident: nearly 8 in 10 people surveyed expressed a desire to have Freely on their next TV.
With a projection of one-third of UK households watching TV solely over the internet by year's end, Freely offers a convenient solution. Over two-thirds of its current users stream exclusively via an internet connection, demonstrating its appeal. "With the majority of our users streaming-only, it shows that Freely is accomplishing what we set out to do – provide an easy and simple way for audiences to enjoy their favourite free TV shows all in one place as viewing habits shift. It has been great to see young audiences embracing Freely, with a way for them to easily stream their favourite shows from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and more,” said Jonathan Thompson, CEO at Everyone TV.
Freely is already integrated into numerous smart TV models from manufacturers such as Hisense, Bush, and JVC. Furthermore, a new affordable plug-in device will expand its reach to televisions without built-in Freely functionality later this year.