Freely, a relatively new player in the UK market, is making significant strides since its launch in 2024. The free streaming service has recently hit a major milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, signaling potential competition for established platforms like Freeview, Sky, and Virgin. This growth was particularly notable during the Christmas period, with a substantial increase in users compared to last September.
With this achievement, Freely has now become the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK in 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about reaching over one million weekly users, attributing it to the demand for a convenient way to stream live British TV and access on-demand content in one place.
Thompson highlighted the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in offering quality British TV content easily accessible through Freely. As the platform continues to gain momentum in 2026, it aims to emphasize popular channels and stories in the era of streaming.
While Freely still has ground to cover to match the scale of Sky and Freeview, the shifting trend towards streaming and cost-effective alternatives could expedite its growth. Operated by the team behind Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by functioning solely over a broadband connection for quick and simple setup.
Moreover, Freely provides various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, a mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for schedule rewinding. Initially exclusive to select TV models, Freely is now compatible with a wide range of TVs from renowned brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
The availability of the Pleio streaming puck expands the reach of Freely to almost any TV, with more set-top devices anticipated to launch soon, potentially increasing Freely’s market share. This development signals a growing preference for accessible and versatile streaming options in the UK television landscape.