UK Online Streaming Statistics (original) (raw)

Any SVoD Netflix Amazon Prime Video Disney+ NOW Apple TV+
2015 20% 16% 4% N/A N/A N/A
2016 26% 22% 6% N/A N/A N/A
2017 32% 25% 13% N/A 4% N/A
2018 39% 32% 17% N/A 5% N/A
2019 47% 40% 21% N/A 6% N/A
2020 53% 46% 28% N/A 6% N/A
2021 65% 59% 44% 17% 8% N/A
2022 68% 60% 47% 23% 7% 6%
2023 66% 59% 45% 25% 9% 7%
2024 68% 58% 45% 26% 6% 8%

Comparative line chart showing the share of new streaming subscribers in the UK (2022-24).

Streaming Service Brand awareness
Netflix 96%
Amazon Prime Video 94%
Disney+ 93%
YouTube Premium 91%
Google Play Store 88%
Apple TV+ 84%
iTunes 84%
NOW TV 83%
Discovery+ 78%
BritBox 74%
Microsoft Store 69%
PlayStation Store 68%
WOW (Sky Go) 67%
Rakuten TV 54%
HayU 51%
DAZN 33%
Mubi 22%
I don’t know any of these brands 1%
Live TV Recorded playback BVoD SVoD/AVoD Video-sharing platforms Other TV set usage DVD/Blu-ray/VHS Total
Individuals 4+ 109 25 20 38 49 28 2 271
Children 4-15 25 7 11 42 74 27 1 187
16-24 20 6 11 43 93 28 2 203
25-34 35 13 24 65 63 37 0 237
35-44 59 19 25 52 46 33 1 235
45-54 115 30 25 38 39 29 2 278
55-64 173 41 28 28 31 27 1 329
65-74 240 50 24 18 21 25 1 379
75+ 281 44 12 7 10 16 2 372
Video Type Percentage
‘How to’ 64%
News 63%
Videos uploaded by the general public 59%
Videos uploaded by friends/family 54%
Music 54%
Videos/vlogs uploaded by social media influencers followed 48%
Videos from comedy programmes 45%
Videos from entertainment programmes 41%
Videos/vlogs uploaded by companies followed 39%
Sports including interviews 37%
Videos from chat shows 36%
Videos from drama programmes 30%
Clips from video games 28%
Type of video Percentage of child screen time
Funny clips 49%
YouTubers 44%
Music videos 36%
Gamers 28%
Episodes 26%
Unboxing 15%
Movie trailers 15%
Tutorials 14%
Education 9%
Sports clips 8%
Nursery rhymes 7%
YouTube Live 6%
Challenge videos 6%
Vlogs 5%
Don’t watch 4%
360 videos 2%
Year Average number of monthly broadcasters
2012 300,000
2013 900,000
2014 1,500,000
2015 1,700,000
2016 *Data missing
2017 2,000,000
2018 3,390,000
2019 3,640,000
2020 6,900,000
2021 8,460,000
2022 7,630,000
2023 7,300,000
2024 7,350,000

Year Esports enthusiasts Occasional viewers
2020 215.2 220.5
2021 240 249.5
2022 261.2 270.9
2025 318.1 322.7
Rank Player ID Player name Age Country Total winnings Peak viewers Total matches Total tournaments
1 N0tail Johan Sundstein 31 Denmark $7,184,163 1,965,328 332 66
2 JerAx Jesse Vainikka 32 Finland $6,486,623 1,965,328 262 54
3 Miposhka Yaroslav Naidenov 27 Russia $5,957,771 2,741,514 679 108
4 Ceb Sébastien Debs 32 France $5,949,442 1,965,328 426 84
5 Topson Topias Taavitsainen 27 Finland $5,898,810 1,965,328 355 64
6 Collapse Magomed Khalilov 23 Russia $5,670,111 2,741,514 505 70
7 Yatoro Ilya Mulyarchuk 22 Ukraine $5,662,736 2,741,514 452 62
8 Mira Myroslav Kolpakov 25 Ukraine $5,574,899 2,741,514 383 53
9 KuroKy Kuro Takhasomi 32 Germany $5,295,698 1,965,328 577 106
10 Miracle- Amer Al-Barkawi 27 Jordan $4,913,585 1,965,328 526 97

UK online streaming FAQs

Is Netflix the biggest streaming service?

In 2024, nearly three-fifths (58%) of the adult UK population had a Netflix subscription.

Do people still watch TV?

Yes, although the watching of live TV is in decline. It remains a significant component of media consumption in the UK and overall is watched more than streaming services, accounting for two-fifths of adults’ average screen time per day (109 minutes). However, younger audiences, particularly those under 35, are watching considerably less television now than previous generations. Despite this, live major ceremonies, sports events and breaking news stories still hold an exceptionally strong appeal. It’s also worth remembering that live TV can be watched online, something that can disrupt viewing figures.

How many people in the UK use Twitch?

As of April 2025, Twitch has 2.38 million concurrent viewers, who rack up an average of 783 million hours of content (that’s equal to 89,383 years). The platform's popularity can be attributed to its diverse content, including video game streaming, music broadcasts, talk shows, and artwork, making it appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Which streaming service has the most original content?

As of 2024, Netflix has the most original content among streaming platforms. It leads the pack by a significant margin, having 1.7 times more original content than any other major paid streaming services combined. This large volume of original titles is a key factor in Netflix's continued popularity and success in the streaming industry market​.

That said, our global streaming index states that Amazon Prime Video is the service that offers UK streamers the best value for money.

Check out our TV and film streaming service guide to get a better idea of what service is right for you.

How many people use streaming services in the UK?

As of Q1 2024, approximately 20.2 million homes in the UK were subscribed to at least one streaming service, which represented over two-thirds (68%) of all UK households.

Which broadband speed do I need for streaming?

Knowing which broadband speed you need for streaming can be a complicated matter. The broadband speed you need for streaming depends on the resolution you wish to stream in. Standard definition, a minimum of 3 Mbps is recommended for streaming in standard definition. For high definition, you’ll need between 5-8 Mbps, whilst for 4K, you’ll need at least 25 Mbps.

This is easier to ascertain in some parts of the country than others, our UK mobile network speed statistics show that in Great Yarmouth, the average speed is just 18.88 Mbps.

Something that can ensure a better quality streaming experience is getting the best media streaming device you can find.

UK online streaming glossary

BVoD (Broadcaster Video on Demand)

BVoD, or Broadcaster Video on Demand, refers to a digital service offered by traditional TV broadcasters, allowing viewers to watch previously aired content online at their convenience. Unlike subscription-based models like SVoD, BVoD is typically free and ad-supported, featuring content from a specific broadcaster’s library. These are the platforms to visit if you are not sure how to watch catch-up TV online. Examples include BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Recorded playback

Recorded playback is a feature that allows viewers to record live TV broadcasts to watch later at their convenience. This service, often included in digital TV packages or available through digital video recorders (DVRs), enables users to schedule recordings of shows, series or movies. Recorded playback offers the flexibility to pause, rewind and fast-forward through recorded content.

SVoD (Subscription Video on Demand)

SVoD, or Subscription Video on Demand, is a digital model where users pay a recurring fee for unlimited access to a diverse range of video content, such as Netflix and Disney Plus. This convenient model offers extensive programs and movies on multiple devices with personalised viewing and no ads.

Methodology and sources