Freely, a relatively new streaming service in the UK, has quickly gained popularity since its launch in 2024. Recently, it achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, putting pressure on established platforms like Freeview, Sky, and Virgin. This growth, observed during the Christmas period, indicates a rapid increase, with twice as many users compared to last September.
With this accomplishment, Freely has emerged as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK in 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about this milestone, citing a clear demand for a convenient way to stream live British TV and access on-demand shows all in one place.
Thompson highlighted the collaborative efforts of UK public service broadcasters in making British TV easily accessible and emphasized the strong start of 2026 for Freely. While Freely is still behind Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the trend towards streaming and away from expensive subscriptions could help it narrow the gap sooner than anticipated.
Operated by the team behind Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by operating entirely over a broadband connection, simplifying the setup process. It offers various features such as pausing live TV, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, a mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for rewinding through schedules.
Initially compatible with a limited range of TVs, Freely is now accessible on a wide selection of models from popular brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. Additionally, the availability of a streaming puck called Pleio expands Freely’s reach to nearly any TV, with more set-top devices expected to launch in the near future, potentially increasing Freely’s market share.