Channel 4 has become the UK’s fastest-growing major streaming platform, outpacing rivals such as Netflix and Disney+, according to City AM. The broadcaster saw a 36 per cent year-on-year increase in streaming minutes, according to new BARB data, marking the largest growth among leading UK and global streamers.
This surge resulted in a record-breaking 6.7 billion viewing minutes across September, driven by popular shows like The Great British Bake Off, Married At First Sight UK, and Celebs Go Dating. On 7 October, Channel 4 set a new single-day record for streaming views, with 7.7 million app views across devices, as reported by City AM.
Among commercial broadcasters, Channel 4 remains the most upmarket streamer, with 58 per cent of viewers in ABC1 households, and is joint youngest, with nearly a quarter of its audience aged 16 to 34.
A digital-first shift
This performance marks what insiders at Channel 4 have called a ‘super September’, solidifying its shift towards digital-first content as global competitors like Netflix continue to see growing profits in the UK. Netflix’s latest UK filings show revenues rising to £1.84 billion last year, fuelled by an increase in subscribers joining its ad-supported tier and a crackdown on password sharing.
Over half of new Netflix subscriptions are now coming through its advertising plan, with total UK profits reaching a record high of £63m.
However, as the global streaming competition heats up, Channel 4’s domestic growth indicates that there is still room for British players to flourish, particularly those offering unique, locally-produced programming and a stronger appeal to advertisers.
New UKTV deal
In an effort to broaden its offerings, Channel 4 has entered into a multi-year carriage agreement with UKTV, the commercial arm of the BBC.
Starting from January 2026, Channel 4’s streaming service will feature hundreds of titles from UKTV’s on-demand platform U, marking the first time a third-party service has been integrated into Channel 4’s streamer.
This partnership will add cult classics such as Red Dwarf, The Office and QI, as well as U&Originals like Outrageous, Bergerac, and Big Zuu’s Big Eats, to Channel 4’s growing library.
Jonathan Allan, interim chief executive of Channel 4, stated that the collaboration “makes our Channel 4 streaming proposition even stronger for viewers”, adding that the partnership would engage “the youngest streaming audience of any commercial broadcaster”.
Marcus Arthur, chief executive of UKTV, said the deal showcased “the power of British media companies collaborating to drive sustained growth.”
Intensifying competition
This agreement is the latest instance of how UK broadcasters are banding together to remain competitive against their well-funded US counterparts.
Earlier this year, Channel 4 made history as the first British broadcaster to introduce video programming on Spotify, a strategic move aimed at engaging younger audiences where they already consume content.
In contrast, streaming giants Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ persist in expanding their UK investments, with Netflix alone investing over $6bn in British productions in the past four years.
While Netflix’s growth is primarily driven by global franchises and algorithmic targeting, Channel 4’s success hinges on a unique blend of reality shows, social documentaries, and edgy factual entertainment tailored for younger, domestic viewers.
Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, commented: “From bold reality formats to fearless factual entertainment and cutting-edge drama, we’re delivering across every genre – and doing so with a distinctively Channel 4 voice”.
“That’s what sets us apart and keeps audiences coming back.”
