Channel 4 says it has trebled its YouTube full episode UK views in 2024 as part of its bid to reach digital natives on new platforms.
The viewing has been driven by shows such as UNTOLD, Hollyoaks, Murder Case: The Digital Detectives and Football Cops.
It said Channel 4 documentaries have been a key to growth, citing 24 Hours in Police Custody and current affairs strand UNTOLD, as popular among viewers aged between 16 – 34. Other shows such as The Secret World of Boy Racers brought in 0.9 million UK views.
Last year Channel 4 show adopted a digital-first schedule for Hollyoaks with episodes airing on YouTube at the same time as streaming and linear – and across 2024 there have been 3.5 million global views to Hollyoaks full episodes on YouTube.
Elsewhere, Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games generated 41 million views across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. More than 2.4 million livestreams and 2.1 million non-live streams were recorded on Channel 4’s YouTube streaming platform.
Channel 4 said its social output has amassed 1.8 billion UK views so far this year.
Across all Channel 4 social platforms, TikTok is the fastest growing this year, with UK views up 86% year on year to 480 million.
On Instagram, UK views rose by 39% to 349 million. Top performing Instagram content includes channels for Hollyoaks, Made In Chelsea and Celebs Go Dating.
Matt Risley, Managing Director, 4Studio, said: “Channel 4’s UK views across all social platforms and content have amassed a huge 1.8 billion this year, putting us firmly on track to double our social viewing by 2030. Our latest audience growth underlines how Channel 4 and 4Studio are leading the way in embracing social audiences at scale.”
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