Latest data from audience measurement body Barb shows a growth in the number of households with access to a subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) service. But it’s not good news for all streamers.
- Apple TV+ and Disney+ continues to see an increase in viewers, attracted by shows including Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham.
- Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ also see strong growth, according to Barb.
- But Netflix almost flatlines and Sky’s NOW drops, with just 6.5% of UK homes with access to the service.
Audience measurement body Barb’s latest Establishment Survey data reveals that 19.3 million UK homes (or 67.3%) had access to a subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) service in the three months ending 30th September 2023. It’s an increase on the 18.8 million (65.9%) that had access between April and June 2023.
Netflix continues to be the leader, with the streaming service available to more homes than any other streaming service in the UK. It’s currently in demand for the Beckham docuseries and the film Old Dads.
- 16.7 million UK homes (or 58.2%) had access to Netflix in Q3 2023. However, this was only a slight increase from the 16.5 million homes (57.7%) in the previous quarter.
Prime Video is the second most widely available streaming service in viewer’s homes.
- 13 million UK homes (45.3%) had access to Prime Video in Q3 2023, up from 12.6 million (44%) in the previous quarter.
Disney+ comes third with 7.6 million homes having access to the entertainment platform. The platform includes Welcome to Wrexham, the documentary that follows the fortunes of Wrexham AFC under new celebrity ownership.
- 7.6 million UK homes (26.7%) had Disney+ in 3Q 2023, up from 7.2 million (25.2%) in Q2 2023.
Apple TV+ continues to grow after a slow start. It’s gaining popularity with the likes of Ted Lasso and The Morning Show
- Apple TV+ is now available in 2.2 million homes (7.8%), up from 1.9 million (6.6%) in Q2 2023.
Paramount+ follows with 1.9 million UK homes having access.
NOW bucks the trend
But Sky’s NOW streaming service has seen a fall. Only 1.9 million homes have access (6.5%), down from 2 million earlier this year.
However, this might not worry Sky too much. For example, some subscribers who took NOW because they were unwilling or unable to have a satellite dish may have decided to ditch NOW because Sky now offers Sky Stream. Sky Stream isn’t included in this survey, but the platform does provide access to some of the other streaming services that are included here.
Justin Sampson, Barb’s Chief Executive, said:
“The latest data from our Establishment Survey again shows how SVOD services have established themselves within the UK viewing ecosystem. Over two-thirds of homes subscribe to at least one, while most services have seen growth over the previous quarter. As with any TV service, content is a significant influence in attracting people. Our viewing data shows how new titles and library programming combine to drive time spent with these SVoD services.”
Apple TV+, Disney+ and Netflix have all announced price increases, indicating they are confident viewers will keep subscribing.
Marc Thornham
updated 27/10/2023