Channel 4 has become the º£½ÇÊÓƵ'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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ, 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 .
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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ. Netflix's latest º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵTV deal
In an effort to broaden its offerings, Channel 4 has entered into a multi-year carriage agreement with º£½ÇÊÓƵTV, the commercial arm of the BBC.
Starting from January 2026, Channel 4's streaming service will feature hundreds of titles from º£½ÇÊÓƵTV'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 º£½ÇÊÓƵTV, 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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."
