Freely, a relatively new player in the UK, has quickly gained traction since its launch in 2024. The free streaming service recently 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, indicating a rapid increase as compared to last September.
This achievement has positioned Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about reaching this milestone, attributing it to the demand for a convenient way to stream live British TV and access on-demand content in one place. He emphasized the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making British TV easily accessible through Freely.
While Freely still has ground to cover to reach the scale of Sky and Freeview, the trend towards streaming and away from expensive subscriptions could accelerate its progress. Unlike Freeview, Freely operates solely over a broadband connection, simplifying setup for users.
Freely offers various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, and a comprehensive TV guide, including a mini guide and a unique backwards guide for schedule rewinding. Initially compatible with a limited number of TVs, Freely is now accessible on a wide range of models from brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
Moreover, the introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck that enables Freely access on almost any TV, provides further convenience for users. With additional set-top devices expected to launch soon, Freely aims to expand its market share further in the upcoming months.