In the UK, Freely, a relatively new streaming service, has quickly gained traction since its launch in 2024. Recently, it hit a significant milestone by surpassing one million weekly users during the Christmas period, marking a notable achievement in its growth trajectory. This surge in users, doubling since September, positions Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025.
Jonathan Thompson, the CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement over reaching the one million weekly users mark, emphasizing the demand for a convenient platform to stream live British TV and access on-demand shows seamlessly. He highlighted Freely’s rapid growth as a testament to the collaborative efforts of UK public service broadcasters in making quality British TV easily accessible in the streaming landscape.
While Freely still lags behind industry giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the ongoing trend towards streaming and away from traditional subscriptions could expedite its progress towards narrowing this gap sooner than anticipated. Unlike Freeview, Freely operates solely via broadband connection, ensuring a swift and simple setup process for users.
With a host of features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, and comprehensive TV guides, including mini and backwards guides, Freely offers a user-friendly experience. Initially compatible with a limited range of TVs, it is now accessible on various models from renowned brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
Exciting news awaits those looking to embrace this streaming evolution, as the availability of Pleio, a streaming puck facilitating Freely access on almost any TV, signals further expansion. The introduction of additional set-top devices in the near future is anticipated to bolster Freely’s market presence even more, promising continued growth and innovation in the streaming landscape.
