Freely, a relatively new player in the UK market, is making significant waves since its launch in 2024. The free streaming service has now exceeded one million weekly users, marking a milestone that could challenge established platforms like Freeview, Sky, and Virgin. This growth was particularly notable over the Christmas period, indicating a rapid increase with double the number of users compared to last September.
With this achievement, Freely has emerged as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about surpassing the one million user mark, highlighting the demand for a convenient way to access live British TV and on-demand content through a single platform.
Thompson emphasized that the success of Freely in 2025 underscores the collaborative efforts of UK public service broadcasters to make high-quality British TV easily accessible for streaming audiences. Looking ahead to 2026, the platform aims to maintain its momentum and continue featuring popular channels and stories in the era of streaming.
While Freely still trails behind giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the shift towards streaming and away from expensive subscriptions could expedite its growth trajectory. Unlike Freeview, Freely operates solely over broadband, offering a quick and simple setup process.
Moreover, Freely boasts various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for rewinding through schedules. Initially available on a limited number of TVs, Freely has expanded its compatibility to include models from popular brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
For those eager to embrace the streaming trend, a streaming puck named Pleio is now accessible, enabling Freely on nearly any TV. The platform anticipates the launch of more set-top devices in the near future, potentially further solidifying its market presence.