Channel 4 “Leads Young Viewers into Streaming Future”

In a new report, Channel 4 says it “led the way in converting youth audiences to streaming in 2025, while growth among adults outpaced the biggest streamers.”

Channel 4’s 16-to-35 viewers streamed 53 percent of their overall Channel 4 viewing throughout the year, marking the first time a major commercial broadcaster has passed the tipping point across a full year where younger viewers stream more than they watch via linear. This number is up from 36 percent in 2023 and 42 percent in 2024.

Newly consolidated BARB data reveals Channel 4 achieved growth on major metrics in 2025, including streaming viewer minutes across all individuals (up 15 percent year-on-year) and the highest growth (2 percent) in share of commercial impacts across its peers.

In addition, the volume of adult viewer minutes consumed on Channel streaming increased 16 percent year-on-year, faster than each of the biggest seven streamers in the U.K.

Channel 4 streaming also attracted the youngest and most upmarket adult audience of any commercial broadcaster streamer in 2025—the 16-to-34 set accounted for 23 percent of adult viewer minutes, and ABC1s accounted for 57 percent of adult viewer minutes.

“Powered by a combination of new hits and old favorites, Channel 4 achieved viewing growth across the board last year as we continue our transformation into a public service streamer,” said Ian Katz, chief content officer at Channel 4. “Virgin Island became our biggest unscripted launch for share of 16-to-34s since modern records began. Averaging over 4 million viewers, Patience was our biggest drama since It’s a Sin, and Mitchell and Webb was our most successful comedy launch since Derry Girls. Last year’s brilliant results—smashing our own records and leading the pack among commercial broadcasters—attest to the quality, freshness and originality of the Channel 4 slate.”