BBC iPlayer is a free service that lets you catch up with programmes from the past seven days that you may have missed or want to watch again.
There are two ways to use this service. You can play a programme and watch it online with ‘Click to play’, or you can download the programme, store it on your computer for up to 30 days and watch it offline.
Please note that BBC TV programmes and live TV streams are only available to users in the UK at present, though most radio programmes are available outside the UK.
The BBC iPlayer allows you to download and enjoy your favourite BBC programmes without being connected to the Internet (once you have downloaded programmes).
Go to the BBC iPlayer install page, click the install button and follow the on screen prompts. The programme you have chosen to download will begin downloading automatically once the installation of the BBC iPlayer Desktop completes.
Downloading from BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK (UK ip address required).
The quality of streams adjusts automatically based on the strength and speed of your internet connection, but users can manually choose to lower quality to conserve data.
Devices like smart TVs, computers, tablets, and phones may have slightly different performance based on their capabilities, but these are the general specifications you can expect from BBC iPlayer.
Visit the BBC iPlayer Website
Video Specifications
BBC iPlayer provides streaming at different quality levels based on the device, internet connection, and user settings. Here is an overview of the video specifications:
Resolution:
HD (High Definition): 1280×720 pixels (720p)
Full HD (1080p): Available for some programmes on supported devices.
SD (Standard Definition): 640×360 pixels (on some older devices or slower internet connections).
Frame Rate:
50 FPS (Frames per second): Available for most live and on-demand content in the UK, especially sports and fast-paced programmes.
25 FPS: Used for some older or less demanding content.
Bitrate (Variable based on connection speed):
HD: Up to 5 Mbps (or more on some devices).
SD: Around 1.5 Mbps or less.
HDR (High Dynamic Range):
Supported on select programmes for compatible devices, improving contrast and colour depth.
Supported Codecs:
H.264/AVC: The standard codec for most streaming content.
HEVC (H.265): Used for some higher-quality streams, especially for 4K content.
4K (Ultra HD):
Some content, like nature documentaries, may be available in 4K (2160p) on compatible devices.
Audio Specifications:
BBC iPlayer provides streaming at different quality levels based on the device, internet connection, and user settings. Here is an overview of the audio specifications:
Stereo Audio:
Most content is available in standard stereo (2.0).
Surround Sound:
5.1 Dolby Digital: Available for some programmes on supported devices, particularly high-profile or recent content.
Audio Bitrate:
Typically ranges from 128 kbps (lower quality) to 320 kbps for higher-quality streams.
Audio Codecs:
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec): Commonly used for most content.
BBC TV Live Streams
The BBC provides live streams through various platforms, including BBC iPlayer, their website, and mobile apps. The specifications of these streams can vary depending on the platform and the user’s internet connection, however, here are the general video specifications for BBC live streams:
Resolution:
Standard Definition (SD): Typically 576p for TV content.
High Definition (HD): 720p or 1080p, depending on the device and bandwidth.
Ultra HD (UHD): Some content, particularly on iPlayer, is available in 4K (2160p), although this is limited and requires a very fast internet connection and compatible device.
Frame Rate:
50 frames per second (fps): Common for sports broadcasts, offering smoother motion.
25 frames per second (fps): Often used for non-sports content.
Bitrate:
SD: Generally around 1.5 to 2.5 Mbps.
HD: Typically ranges from 3 to 5 Mbps.
Audio:
Stereo sound is generally available for most content.
5.1 surround sound may be provided for higher quality broadcasts, especially with HD or UHD streams, usually on platforms like BBC iPlayer.
5. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming:
The BBC employs adaptive bitrate streaming, meaning the quality of the video will adjust in real time according to the user’s internet connection. If bandwidth drops, the stream may shift to a lower resolution to prevent buffering.
Supported Devices:
BBC live streams are available on smart TVs, PCs, tablets, smartphones, and streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Compatibility and video quality may vary depending on the platform.
Formats:
The streams use formats such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and MPEG-DASH for adaptive bitrate streaming.
HEVC (H.265) is used for UHD streams, while HD and SD streams typically use H.264 (AVC).
The actual quality can vary depending on your device, location, and internet speed. BBC iPlayer provides detailed information on requirements for UHD streaming and tips for optimising video playback quality on their platform.
BBC Radio Streams
All of the BBC’s national, local and regional stations along with the BBC World Service are available to listen to live on the internet (rights permitting), with appropriate media player software.
It is also possible to listen to BBC Radio services via the internet without having to log on to a computer. The easiest way to do this is via Wi-Fi or Internet Radio. These radios pick up radio stations streamed on the internet via an Internet connection to the radio.
There are no UK only IP restrictions on BBC radio, though some sporting coverage is blocked and overseas listeners will use a lower bitrate than domestic listeners.
Visit the BBC Radio Website for information on reception and programming.
Radio Bitrates on BBC Sounds
General Specifications:
Format: AAC (Advanced Audio Codec)
Bitrate: Streams are typically available in several bitrates, depending on the connection and device:
48 kbps: Suitable for low-bandwidth connections
96 kbps: Standard quality for most streams
128 kbps or 320 kbps: Higher-quality streams for better sound fidelity
Protocol: Streams are delivered over HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), which is adaptive and changes quality based on available bandwidth.
Device-Specific Variations:
Mobile (BBC Sounds App): The app provides adaptive bitrate streaming using HLS, typically starting at 48 kbps AAC for slower connections and moving up to 320 kbps for faster ones.
Desktop/Web (BBC iPlayer): For web browsers, streams can vary from 96 kbps AAC for standard streams to 320 kbps AAC for higher quality (e.g., BBC Radio 3 for classical music).
Smart Speakers: Devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Nest generally receive streams between 48 kbps and 96 kbps depending on the device capability.
Supported Platforms:
Web Browser: Works with HTML5 audio and does not require additional plugins.
Mobile Devices: BBC Sounds app for Android and iOS.
HTTP streams are available in both UK (320 kbp/s HLS AAC) and international variants (96 kbp/s HLS AAC), which allows those in the UK to continue to enjoy BBC Sports coverage.
HLS
HLS – HTTP Live Streaming and is a protocol developed by Apple for their iOS devices and QuickTime player. Support was added to Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) which has made HLS the ideal candidate for streaming to the widest range of mobile devices.
HDS
HDS – HTTP Dynamic Streaming was developed by Adobe as an alternative to their RTMP protocol. HDS allows for adaptive streaming over HTTP to any device that’s compatible with Adobe Flash or Air.
See: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds
| Station |
UK Bitrate
|
Overseas Bitrate
|
Audio
|
Description |
| BBC Radio 1 |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Youth orientated Popular music and speech. |
| BBC Radio 2 |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Adult-oriented Pop Music |
| BBC Radio 3 |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Classic Music |
| BBC Radio 4 |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
News & Speech |
| BBC Radio 5 Live |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Mono
|
Live news and sport (some UK only ip restrictions apply) |
| BBC Radio 5 Live Sp Extra |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Mono
|
Live news and sport (some UK only ip restrictions apply) |
| BBC 6 Music |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Classic rock Alternative rock Funk Indie Jazz Hip Hop |
| BBC Radio 4 Extra |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Mono
|
Comedy, Drama, and Chat |
| BBC 1Xtra |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
New Black / urban music |
| BBC Asian Network |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Mono
|
South Asian orientated |
| BBC World Service |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Mono
|
English language version of the BBC World Service |
| BBC Radio Scotland |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
National radio for Scotland. |
| BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Scottish Gaelic language station. |
| BBC Radio Wales |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
National radio for Wales. |
| BBC Radio Cymru |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Welsh language service. |
| BBC Radio Ulster |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
National radio for Northern Ireland. |
| BBC Radio Foyle |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
Local radio station, serving the North West of Northern Ireland. |
| BBC Radio Guernsey |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
BBC local radio for Guernsey. |
| BBC Radio Jersey |
320 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
96 kbp/s HLS AAC
|
Joint Stereo
|
BBC local radio for Jersey. |
| For local radio, see BBC Local Radio (320 kbp/s HLS AAC for all local & regional BBC stations in the UK & 96 kbp/s HLS AAC overseas. | ||||
How to watch BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is available on connected TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, streamers and platforms including Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView.
You can access BBC iPlayer in one of the following ways, depending on the device:
Launch the app
Use your device’s on-screen menu and episode guide
Press the red button on your remote from a BBC channel
Check the manufacturers list at the bottom of the page to see if your connected TV or device is supported.
How do I use BBC iPlayer on my device?
Freesat
BBC iPlayer is available on compatible Freesat devices listed below.
If you have a Freesat with Freetime box, BBC iPlayer can be accessed by launching into the On Demand section from the Home menu. Your Freesat device will need to be connected to the internet to access BBC iPlayer.
Freeview Play
If you’re using Freeview Play to watch BBC iPlayer then you need to make sure your TV is connected to an aerial before you launch the BBC iPlayer app. For more information on Freeview Play visit their website.
Sky
Sky customers with a compatible Sky+ box can access BBC iPlayer from Sky’s On Demand section. To find BBC iPlayer, select the TV Guide Button on your Sky remote control, navigate to the On Demand section and select Catch Up. Choose BBC iPlayer from the menu.
Virgin Media TiVo
Virgin Media TiVo users can find BBC iPlayer either via the connected red button or the Apps and Games directory. Within Virgin TiVo, you can also access BBC iPlayer by going left in the EPG and selecting content that is marked available for catch-up.
YouView
BBC iPlayer is available on YouView, either through a YouView box or compatible YouView enabled 2015 Sony TV. You can use BBC iPlayer on YouView by either selecting BBC iPlayer from the ‘Players’ section, watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView electronic programme guide, or watching a BBC programme from the last seven days via the YouView On Demand area. In order to access BBC iPlayer, YouView devices need to be connected to the internet.
Smart TVs and internet connected devices
There are several different versions of BBC iPlayer which manufacturers use in their devices. Between these versions, due to technical limitations, there can be some variations in features (subtitles, HD etc.). Each device will need to be connected to the internet to use BBC iPlayer.
Mobile Phones & Tablets
A BBC iPlayer app is available for Android, Apple iOS, Window 8 and BlackBerry.
BBC iPlayer is available on supported mobile devices and is a UK only service. You can play programmes via a Wi-Fi or 3G connection, depending on your phone and network.
For more information see: BBC iPlayer Help – Mobile & Tablet
BBC iPlayer is a free service, but mobile network operators may charge for data used over their networks. Data allowances and mobile network tariffs are the responsibility of the mobile network operators.
If you are unsure how much data costs or what your data allowance is, then contact your mobile network operator.
Certain programmes, including some sporting events and films, may not be available on the mobile version of BBC iPlayer because of rights agreements, even if they are available on the PC version.
BBC iPlayer – TV Licence
As of 1 September 2016 you now need a TV Licence to watch or download BBC programmes on demand, as well as live on BBC iPlayer.
The rules only apply to iPlayer, so you do not need a TV licence if you only ever watch on-demand or catch-up programmes through other service providers – as long as you do not use BBC iPlayer.
So how does the BBC prevent non-licence viewing from occurring? Well, there is no high tech software involved, they simply ask Got a TV Licence? Followed by two options:
I have a TV Licence. Watch now.
I don’t have a TV Licence.
Watching live:
That means watching or recording at the same time (or virtually the same time) as they’re being broadcast, or distributed to the public in any other way. In BBC iPlayer, you do this using the Watch Live (simulcast) option. Anyone in the UK watching or recording television as it’s being broadcast or simulcast on any device – including mobiles, laptops and PCs – must, by law, be covered by a valid TV licence.
As a general rule, if you’re watching a programme on a computer or other device at the same time as it’s being shown on TV, then the programme is “live” so you need a TV licence. If you use the live rewind function to restart a live programme or rewind a live stream for up to 2 hours, you also need a TV licence. This is because you’re still accessing the live simulcasts.
Watching On-Demand:
Any programme you download or watch that is not being shown as live TV, including catch-up TV is On-Demand. These programmes can be accessed on the BBC iPlayer website or through an app on a smart TV, digital box or any other device. On demand also includes exclusive programmes that are only available online. You must also be covered by a valid TV licence if watching programmes this way.
What will happen if I don’t have a TV licence?
It is a criminal offence to watch live or on-demand television without a TV licence. It’s also a criminal offence to possess or control a device which you know or reasonably believe will be used to watch live or on-demand TV without a TV licence. You could be prosecuted and fined up to £1000 (plus legal costs) for these offences.