Freely, a new player in the UK streaming scene, has quickly gained traction since its 2024 launch. Surpassing one million weekly users, Freely’s growth over the Christmas period has been remarkable, doubling its user base compared to September last year. This achievement now positions Freely as the UK’s fastest-growing TV platform in 2025.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed excitement over reaching this milestone, attributing it to the demand for a convenient way to access live British TV and on-demand content in one place. He highlighted the collaborative effort of UK public service broadcasters in making quality British TV easily accessible through Freely.
Although Freely still has ground to cover to catch up with giants like Sky and Freeview, the trend towards streaming and away from expensive subscriptions could expedite its growth. Owned by the team behind Freeview, Freely distinguishes itself by operating solely over broadband, ensuring a quick and hassle-free setup process.
Offering various features such as live TV pausing, personalized recommendations, and a comprehensive TV guide, Freely caters to viewer preferences. Initially limited to select TV models, Freely has expanded its compatibility to include popular brands like Hisense, Panasonic, Bush, and Sharp.
The introduction of Pleio, a streaming puck facilitating access to Freely on nearly any TV, signals further expansion. Anticipated launches of additional set-top devices in the near future could bolster Freely’s market presence and appeal to a broader audience.