Netflix Edges BBC as UK Viewers' First Choice Amid Shifting Media Landscape
Streaming services and YouTube gain ground as traditional broadcasters adapt to evolving consumption habits.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Netflix has surpassed the BBC as the primary choice for UK viewers, marking a significant shift in the nation's media consumption habits.
Time spent watching YouTube on television sets has doubled since 2022, now averaging 19 minutes daily per person. Weekly YouTube engagement for the over-75s also surged from 28% in 2022 to 33% in 2023, signaling a broader demographic migration towards the platform.
Despite Netflix's reported lead in first-choice viewing, a BBC spokesman confirmed that BBC content commands 18% of all video viewing. Netflix holds 9% of total video viewing, meaning audiences still dedicate approximately twice as much time to watching the BBC.
Netflix's hit film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' and the crime drama 'Adolescence' were reportedly the most-watched programs in the UK in 2025. Conversely, the BBC, so far in 2024, has screened eight of the 10 most-watched programs, including 'The Night Manager' and 'Run Away'.
The BBC’s biggest title in 2023, 'Celebrity Traitors' and its video podcast 'Traitors Uncloaked', saw its finale attract an average audience of 14.9 million viewers across BBC One and BBC iPlayer. England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on July 15 drew a peak audience of 24 million viewers across BBC platforms.
Live TV viewing among 16- to 24-year-olds and 4- to 15-year-olds plummeted by 17% each in 2025. This presents a direct challenge for traditional broadcasters.
Public service broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, collectively delivered over 30,000 hours of UK-originated content in 2023, excluding repeats. Companies must continue to understand changing audience habits and adapt their strategies to thrive, Kate Davies emphasized.
The BBC is already transforming its content and services to meet these evolving habits, including through its YouTube partnership, a BBC spokesman confirmed. The ongoing Charter Review presents a critical opportunity to make clear choices that will ensure the BBC can deliver for audiences across the UK for generations to come, the spokesman added.
BBC spokesman indicated that The ongoing Charter Review presents a critical opportunity to make clear choices that will ensure the BBC can deliver for audiences across the UK for generations to come.
Despite the seismic shifts in video consumption, 93% of adults listen to some form of audio content. 87% listen to live radio every week.