Freely, a relatively new player in the UK streaming market, has quickly gained popularity since its launch in 2024. Recently, the service achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, putting pressure on established platforms like Freeview, Sky, and Virgin. This growth was particularly notable during the Christmas period, marking a substantial increase compared to user numbers from the previous September.
The achievement of attracting over one million weekly users solidifies Freely’s position as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK in 2025. Jonathan Thompson, the CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement over this milestone, emphasizing the strong demand for a convenient platform offering live British TV streaming and access to on-demand shows all in one place.
Thompson also highlighted the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making quality British TV easily accessible through Freely. The platform’s success in 2025 sets a positive trajectory for 2026, with a focus on enhancing user experience and emphasizing popular channels and content in the streaming landscape.
While Freely still lags behind industry giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the trend towards streaming and away from traditional subscriptions could expedite its growth. Owned by the team behind Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by operating solely through a broadband connection, simplifying setup for users.
Offering various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, and comprehensive TV guides, Freely caters to user preferences. Initially available on a limited selection of TVs, the platform has expanded to include models from major brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
Furthermore, the introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck facilitating access to Freely on almost any TV, signifies further expansion and market penetration opportunities. With additional set-top devices anticipated for release in the near future, Freely is poised to capture even more market share and solidify its position in the evolving streaming landscape.
