A free streaming service that only launched in 2024 has hit a major milestone, signalling a significant shift in how UK households watch television. Freely has now surpassed one million weekly users, cementing its position as a serious contender in a market long dominated by established giants.
Rapid Growth for the Free Streaming Challenger
The landmark figure was confirmed for the Christmas period, showcasing a period of explosive growth for the platform. In fact, the number of people using Freely has doubled since September 2025, making it the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK throughout 2025. This surge in popularity highlights a growing appetite for cost-free, streamlined access to live and on-demand content.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, which operates Freely, hailed the achievement. "Surpassing one million weekly users is an exciting milestone for Freely," he said, "showing clear demand for a simple way to stream live British TV and discover great on-demand shows all in one place." He added that the platform's growth underscores the strength of the UK's public service broadcasters collaborating to make top-tier British television easy to find in the streaming era.
How Freely Works and What It Offers
Owned by the same organisation behind Freeview, Freely has a crucial point of difference: it operates entirely via a broadband connection, eliminating the need for a traditional TV aerial. This makes setup quick and straightforward for users with a compatible television and an internet connection.
The service is packed with features designed for modern viewers, including:
- The ability to pause live TV.
- Personalised programme recommendations.
- A comprehensive TV guide, plus a mini guide and a unique 'backwards guide' that lets viewers rewind through the schedule to see what they've missed.
Initially available on a limited selection of smart TVs, Freely is now supported on a wide range of models from brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. For those with older sets, a streaming device called Pleio is available to bring the Freely service to almost any television, with more set-top boxes expected to launch soon.
Shaking Up the UK TV Landscape
While Freely still has ground to cover to match the sheer scale of platforms like Sky, Virgin Media, or Freeview, its rapid ascent points to a broader trend. The accelerating move towards streaming, combined with a desire to move away from expensive monthly subscriptions, could help Freely close the gap faster than many anticipated.
This milestone is a strong start to 2026 for the service, proving that a free, unified platform for the UK's favourite channels has a substantial and growing audience. As the cost of living continues to influence consumer choices, Freely's ad-supported model positions it as a compelling alternative in the competitive British television market.
