Netflix Becomes UK Viewers’ First Choice – But BBC Still Leads

 For the first time, Netflix has overtaken the BBC as the service UK viewers say they turn to first when deciding what to watch.

According to Ofcom's latest Media Nations research, 26% of UK viewers now choose Netflix as their first destination, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%. ITV follows at 15%.

It is an important milestone for streaming, but there is an important distinction: Netflix becoming the first choice does not mean it is the UK's most-watched television service.

Netflix is first choice, but BBC still gets more viewing

Ofcom's survey asks viewers which service they instinctively go to first when looking for something to watch. It does not measure total viewing time.

When actual viewing is measured, the BBC remains ahead. BBC content accounts for around 18% of UK video viewing, compared with approximately 9% for Netflix.

The BBC also continues to have a major advantage in live television, news, sport, entertainment and major national events, while its extensive on-demand library is available through BBC iPlayer.

So while someone might open Netflix first when looking for a film or drama, they can still spend considerably more time watching BBC programmes.

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