Freely, a relatively new player in the UK streaming market, has quickly gained traction since its launch in 2024. The platform recently hit a major milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, putting pressure on established competitors like Freeview, Sky, and Virgin. This surge occurred during the festive Christmas period, signaling rapid growth with a two-fold increase in users compared to last September.

This achievement has positioned Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement over this milestone, attributing it to the demand for a convenient platform offering live British TV streaming and on-demand content in one place.

Highlighting the collaborative efforts of UK public service broadcasters, Thompson emphasized that Freely’s growth signifies the ease of access to quality British television in the streaming era. While Freely has yet to reach the scale of major competitors like Sky and Freeview, the ongoing trend towards streaming and cost-effective alternatives may expedite its progress.

Distinct from Freeview, Freely operates solely via broadband connection, simplifying setup for users. The platform boasts various features, such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and innovative rewind capabilities for schedule navigation.

Initially accessible on a limited range of TVs, Freely has expanded to include models from reputable brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. Additionally, the introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck facilitating Freely access on most TVs, further enhances the platform’s accessibility. Future plans include launching more set-top devices, potentially strengthening Freely’s market presence.