Freely, a new player in the UK market, has achieved significant success since its launch in 2024. The free streaming service recently hit a milestone by surpassing one million weekly users, marking a notable achievement during the Christmas period. This rapid growth is evidenced by a doubling in the number of Freely users compared to last September.
This milestone now positions Freely as the fastest-growing TV platform in the UK in 2025. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement about reaching over one million weekly users, highlighting the increasing demand for a convenient way to stream live British TV and access on-demand content in one platform.
Thompson emphasized the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making British TV easily accessible through Freely. While Freely still has ground to cover to compete with giants like Sky and Freeview, the trend towards streaming and cost-effective alternatives may expedite its growth.
Owned by the team behind Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by operating solely via a broadband connection, ensuring a quick and simple setup process. The platform offers various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, a mini guide, and a unique backwards guide for schedule rewinding.
Initially compatible with a limited range of TVs, Freely is now accessible on a broader selection of models from renowned brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp. The introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck enabling Freely access on nearly any TV, further expands its reach. Additional set-top devices are anticipated to launch in the near future, potentially boosting Freely’s market share.