Viewing growth for VOD platform BBC iPlayer is up 20% so far this year, outstripping its competitors across all audiences, according to the BBC.
In a statement, the BBC said that BBC iPlayer’s viewing growth is twice that of Netflix, three times ITVX and four times that of Channel 4.
It cited the breadth of content and experiences on the VOD platform for its audience growth, singling out record levels of people coming to iPlayer this summer. The BBC’s summer of live events, which included the General Election, Glastonbury, the Olympics, the Euros and Wimbledon, generated over 350 million requests.
Other shows performing strongly include Gladiators, The Traitors, The Apprentice, Race Across the World, Doctor Who, EastEnders and The Jetty.
The BBC said that backing British storytelling and talent has ensured BBC iPlayer stands out for viewers, citing recent documentaries on Sarah Everard, Liz Carr’s Better off Dead, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams and The Met and new comedy hits like Daddy Issues, Mammoth and We Might Regret This.
Last year the BBC spent more on British content than any other commissioner, £1bn of original TV content; and invested more than 60% of its TV budget outside of London supporting 326 UK TV production companies and suppliers. It commissioned over 4,000 hours of originations, excluding News and Sport, in 2023.
BBC’s Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore said: “Our digital transformation strategy is working. The BBC has grown market share, gaining against the global streamers as well as our UK competitors. BBC iPlayer has had another record-breaking year and its incredible growth story is a clear signal that we are offering audiences uniquely British content they really value.”
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