Freely, a relatively new player in the UK streaming scene, has been making significant strides since its launch in 2024. The platform recently reached a noteworthy milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, marking a substantial achievement over the festive Christmas period. This growth trend indicates a rapid increase, with double the number of users compared to last September.
This accomplishment positions Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about this milestone, emphasizing the clear demand for a convenient way to stream live British TV and discover on-demand content seamlessly on a single platform.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts of UK’s public service broadcasters, Thompson noted that Freely’s rapid growth in 2025 showcases the accessibility of quality British TV content. Looking ahead to 2026, the platform aims to continue building momentum and enhancing the streaming experience for users.
While Freely still lags behind industry giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the increasing trend towards streaming and the shift away from traditional subscriptions could expedite its growth trajectory.
Notably, Freely distinguishes itself by operating solely through broadband connections, offering user-friendly setup and a range of features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, and a comprehensive TV guide. Initially available on a limited selection of TVs, Freely has expanded its compatibility to include popular brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
Moreover, the introduction of a streaming puck named Pleio broadens access to Freely across various TV models, with more set-top devices anticipated to launch in the near future. This expansion strategy is expected to bolster Freely’s market presence and enhance its competitiveness in the evolving streaming landscape.