Freely, a relatively new player in the UK streaming scene, has quickly gained traction since its 2024 launch. The service recently hit a significant milestone, surpassing one million weekly users during the festive Christmas period. This growth marks a rapid increase, with the user base doubling since September last year.
This achievement positions Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK in 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about reaching the one million user mark, attributing it to the demand for a convenient platform offering live British TV and a wide range of on-demand shows in one place.
Thompson highlighted the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making British TV easily accessible through streaming services like Freely. He emphasized the platform’s momentum heading into 2026, focusing on featuring popular channels and narratives in the streaming era.
While Freely still trails behind giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the trend towards streaming and cost-effective alternatives to traditional subscriptions could facilitate its rapid growth and potential to close the gap sooner than anticipated.
Distinct from Freeview, Freely operates solely via broadband connection, ensuring a swift and simple setup process. The platform offers various features, including live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, a mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for easy schedule browsing.
Initially accessible on a limited selection of TVs, Freely has expanded its compatibility to include models from renowned brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. Additionally, the introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck, now allows users to enjoy Freely on nearly any TV, with more set-top devices expected to launch in the near future, potentially expanding Freely’s market share.