UKTV has revealed 2025 was its strongest year on record.
After a period of what the company called “exceptional growth” in 2024, UKTV saw viewer numbers for its free streaming service, U, increase by 15 per cent last year. The number of active monthly users also grew by 23 per cent with registrations rising by 18 per cent.
Additionally, the broadcaster, which is owned by BBC Studios, grew network share from 4.8 per cent in 2024 to 4.97 per cent, a 3 per cent increase representing its biggest share for linear channels to date. UKTV’s Share of Commercial Impacts (SOCI) grew to a record 9.08 per cent, beating the previous year’s figure of 8.79 per cent.
Marcus Arthur, CEO, UKTV said, “Record-breaking viewing across both streaming and linear is clear evidence that our strategy is working. By investing decisively in digital while strengthening our linear offer, we’ve positioned the business for sustainable success. Our focused choices in content, product and marketing have enabled us to accelerate our growth trajectory, even against a rapidly shifting media landscape and challenging macroeconomic conditions. Our U&Originals, premium acquisitions and the unrivalled depth of the BBC archive continue to power our services, making U and our channel portfolio essential destinations for audiences.
“As we enter 2026, everyone at UKTV is thrilled to see our new partnership with Channel 4 streaming realised with the launch of U on the platform, complementing our own standalone U service. We are looking forward to working with all our partners to champion the creative sector and deliver even more bold, entertaining and conversation-starting shows for viewers.”
Growth was driven by U’s broad content offer, with drama proving particularly successful. The genre provided the service’s top five performing shows which included Bergerac and The Chelsea Detective.
Commenting, Andrea Amey, chief digital officer, UKTV said, “2025 marked the first full year of UKTV’s transformation under our new masterbrand, U – and the results speak for themselves. Our streaming service has benefited enormously from a bold, cohesive brand identity that unites the platform with our family of TV channels. We’ve delivered strong growth in viewing, active users and registrations, fuelled by a compelling content offer, enhanced functionality, improved personalisation and broader availability. The recent rollout of the U app on Sky Q and Virgin TV V6 boxes has further expanded our reach and strengthened our position in an increasingly competitive market.”
UKTV’s linear channels also saw growth throughout the year, with U&Alibi, U&Dave, U&YESTERDAY and U&DRAMA all increasing share. The company also experienced its best year to date across social media, delivering a 29 per cent year-over-year increase equating to 758 million social media views. In August, the social team successfully shifted the YouTube strategy from channel-led brands to genre-based destinations designed to meet customer demand.
