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BBC iPlayer is the BBC’s on-demand and live streaming platform for TV and related content in the UK. It plays a central role in the BBC’s digital strategy, especially as more viewing shifts from scheduled broadcast to connected devices and on-demand platforms.
Quick Answer: The BBC reported that BBC iPlayer averaged 15.2 million weekly active accounts in 2024/25. The BBC also reported 4.3 million weekly active under-35 accounts and said the average UK person spent 1 hour 21 minutes per week with iPlayer.
Key BBC iPlayer Metrics
| Metric | Figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly active accounts | 15.2 million | 2024/25 |
| Weekly active under-35 accounts | 4.3 million | 2024/25 |
| Average time per UK population head | 1 hour 21 minutes per week | 2024/25 |
| TV device share of iPlayer use | 75% | 2024/25 |
| Live share of viewing | 21% | 2024/25 |
| On-demand share of viewing | 79% | 2024/25 |
About BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer launched as a catch-up service and has evolved into one of the UK’s most important public-service streaming platforms. It combines live channels, catch-up viewing, box-set style access, downloads, and on-demand distribution across televisions, phones, tablets, and computers.
BBC iPlayer Statistics and Facts
- 15.2 million weekly active accounts
- 4.3 million weekly active under-35 accounts
- 1 hour 21 minutes average weekly time spent per UK population head
- 75% of use on TV devices
- 79% of viewing on-demand and 21% live
Why These Numbers Matter
Weekly active accounts are much more useful than old one-off request figures because they show how many logged-in BBC accounts are actively using the service on a recurring basis. The under-35 account figure is especially important because the BBC has been trying to strengthen its position with younger audiences.
How People Watch BBC iPlayer
The BBC’s device mix shows that television remains the dominant screen for iPlayer viewing. That is important because it reinforces iPlayer’s role not just as a mobile catch-up app, but as a core TV destination in connected households.
Historical Context
Older BBC iPlayer summaries often cited monthly requests or broad consumer usage survey numbers from 2018. Those stats are now much less valuable than the BBC’s current account-based reporting in its annual report.
FAQ
How many people use BBC iPlayer?
The BBC reported an average of 15.2 million weekly active accounts using BBC iPlayer in 2024/25.
How many younger users does BBC iPlayer have?
The BBC reported 4.3 million weekly active under-35 accounts in 2024/25.
What devices are most used for BBC iPlayer?
The BBC said TV devices accounted for 75% of iPlayer use in 2024/25.
Is BBC iPlayer mostly live or on-demand?
The BBC said 79% of iPlayer viewing was on-demand and 21% was live in 2024/25.
Sources and References
