UK broadcaster Channel 4 said it has passed the tipping point with more young viewers streaming than watching linear TV.
Overall, Channel 4 viewing among the 16-34 age group reached 53 per cent across 2025, according to recently consolidated data from Barb. The figures show a continuing growth trend up from 36 per cent in 2023 and 42 per cent in 2024, and mark the first time a UK commercial broadcaster has passed the point at which annual streaming has overtaken linear consumption.
The company also achieved a 15 per cent year-on-year increase across all individuals as well as the highest growth in Share of Commercial Impacts (SOCI) among its peers, registering an increase of 2 per cent.
Channel 4 streaming reached 72 billion of adult viewer minutes, a 16 per cent year-on-year increase faster than each of the seven biggest streamers in the country. It also reached both the youngest and most upmarket audiences over the period with 16-34s accounting for 23 per cent of adult viewer minutes and 57 per cent reaching ABC1 viewers, ahead of Sky, ITV, 5 and UKTV.
Additionally, the channel reported strong linear figures with five of the top ten most watched non-sports shows on commercial TV, led by The Great British Bake Off and Virgin Island. Organic UK YouTube views reached a record high of 175 million, up 56 per cent year-on-year and led by 24 Hours in Police Custody with a figure of 18.9 million.
Ian Katz, chief content officer, Channel 4, said: “Powered by a combination of new hits and old favourites Channel 4 achieved viewing growth across the board last year as we continue our transformation into a public service streamer. Virgin Island became our biggest unscripted launch for share of 16-34s since modern records began. Averaging over four million viewers Patience was our biggest drama since It’s a Sin and Mitchell and Webb was our most successful comedy launch since Derry Girls. Last year’s brilliant results – smashing our own records and leading the pack among commercial broadcasters – attest to the quality, freshness and originality of the Channel 4 slate.”
