Freely, a relatively new player in the UK market, has achieved notable success since its launch in 2024. The free streaming service recently hit a milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, indicating its rapid growth, with a doubling in user numbers since last September. This achievement positions Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK for 2025.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about reaching the one million weekly users mark, highlighting the demand for a convenient platform to stream live British TV and access on-demand content. He emphasized the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making quality British TV easily accessible through Freely.
Although Freely still lags behind industry giants like Sky and Freeview in terms of scale, the increasing trend towards streaming and away from expensive subscriptions could expedite its growth and bridge the gap faster than anticipated.
Owned by the same group as Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by operating solely over a broadband connection, offering a user-friendly setup process. The platform boasts various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for schedule rewinding.
Initially compatible with a limited range of TVs, Freely has expanded its availability to include models from popular brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. Additionally, the introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck, allows nearly any TV to access Freely, with more set-top devices anticipated to enter the market soon, potentially bolstering Freely’s market share.