Freeview’s 100 hidden channels

Freeview viewers can now access to over a hundred extra TV and radio services from around the world thanks to the expansion of streaming channels on the Freeview TV guide.

What began as a niche service that only a few receivers could access has gone mainstream thanks to a technological upgrade and growing numbers of TVs connected to the internet.

Streaming channels, or portals, on Freeview’s channel list have been upgraded to use HbbTV, which is supported by any TV or receiver that comes with Freeview Play.

As a result, Freeview viewers can now stream global channels Bloomberg and France 24 alongside dedicated web-only channels including comedy channel Twisted Mirror, Fail Army and Fuel TV.

They are part of a rapidly growing sector of free ad-supported TV channels that are gaining widespread online distribution through a variety of TV platforms, many targeting a very specific niche. Stringray naturescape (via channel 271) for example, will allow viewers to turn their TV in to a fireplace in the evenings, while screening other relaxing scenary at other times.

On Freeview, these channels are found below all the main terrestrial services, past channel 260. But with most channels found within a channel, they don’t appear on the main Freeview channel list, thus gaining the reputation of being hidden.

Among the available channels, there’s also some niche Sky satellite channels streaming for free, including various West African services like Arise Play, Channel 7 and ROK.

But controversially, channels without a UK broadcasting licence are also able to join the services. China’s CGTN – stripped of its Ofcom licence, returned to the UK through Vision TV on Freeview channel 264. A number of right-wing news outlets also appear in the line-up including Newsmax and OAN. Ofcom warns viewers that as a result, viewers may find content that doesn’t conform to UK broadcasting rules or the watershed.

Many channels will stream in HD, subject to broadband speed. But most services will run on a minimum download speed of around 2.5Mbps.

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Freeview Streaming Channels – October 2022

Channel 264 – Vision TV

NOTES: Genres as defined by Vision TV. Vision TV can also be streamed via the web or through an app. The web/app channel line-up is subject to variation to the above. For example, as of 17/10/22, That’s TV is available on Freeview 264, but not through the Vision TV website. ^France 24 English was available on Vision TV’s HbbTV app until 20/10/22.

Channel 271 – Channelbox

NOTES: Genres as defined by Channelbox. Some channels are listed in multiple genres by Channelbox. The above listing only includes the first appearance of the channel to avoid duplication.

Channel 277 – UK Radio Portal

The home of a number of smaller radio operators, including community and internet stations.

Single channel portals

Unlike the aforementioned portals, the following Freeview channel numbers open up a single channel:

263 Sonlife

269 Arise News

272 Asharq News

274 Fail Army

275 Celebration TV

276 ROK

278 Pet Collective

On-demand portals

These channel numbers open up a portal containing a library of content available to watch on-demand:

Children’s

208 POP Player

209 Ketchup TV

210 Ketchup Too

211 YAAAS!

Factual

265 On Demand 365

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Iain Hatton

Last updated 26/10/2022 11:19 to add Pet Collective on channel 278, which arrived on the platform earlier today.