What is the difference between BBC and BBC iPlayer?


BBC iPlayer is where you can watch BBC programmes online. You can watch all of our TV channels online and nearly all of our programmes are available to watch shortly after they've been broadcast for a set amount of time.While iPlayer used to hold both radio and televisual content, the two were split – the core iPlayer handles television and BBC Sounds became the place to find all of the BBC's radio channels and podcasts. Along with streaming stations such as Radio 1 and Radio 2 live, you can dip into the archives to enjoy radio programmes on-demand.

Is BBC iPlayer the same as BBC?

BBC iPlayer is where you can watch BBC programmes online. You can watch all of our TV channels online and nearly all of our programmes are available to watch shortly after they've been broadcast for a set amount of time.

Can you access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK?

No. BBC iPlayer is funded by the UK TV licence and its use is restricted to UK residents only. While you can't watch TV programmes, here's a list of services you can use if you live outside the UK: BBC Sounds.

Is BBC iPlayer free?

BBC iPlayer is a free service, but your mobile operator may charge for the data you use on their network. If you're unsure how much mobile data costs or what your data allowance is, please contact your mobile network operator.

Why is BBC iPlayer different?

From time to time you may notice small changes to BBC iPlayer. This is because we're always trying to improve by trying out new things. So we often tweak things to make it easier to find the programmes and information you're looking for.

Do I need a BBC account to watch iPlayer?

Without signing in, you won't be able to play programmes or benefit from the personalised features that BBC iPlayer offers. Signing in is quick, free and easy and you should stay signed in for two years on each web browser or app.

Can I use BBC iPlayer without a TV license abroad?

At the moment, you aren't able to stream or download programmes on BBC iPlayer while abroad. But you should be able to access programmes that you've downloaded before going overseas (usually available for 30 days after they're shown on live TV).

What countries can access iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is exclusively available to UK residents. British expats living in US, Australia, Canada, Germany, UAE, or Spain cannot watch any content on BBC. Simply configure your devices to use Unlocator Smart DNS. Once done, you will be able to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK regardless of where you currently reside.

What countries is BBC iPlayer in?

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it's due to rights issues.” BBC iPlayer restricts its services to users in the UK only due to licensing restrictions. Therefore, if you are in Canada, use a VPN like ExpressVPN to change your location to the UK and unblock BBC iPlayer.

Does everyone have 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.

Is Netflix better than BBC iPlayer?

The National Audit Office (NAO) report rated iPlayer worse in terms of picture and sound quality, and said that streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ recommend content easier and have more functional subtitling than the BBC.

What has replaced BBC iPlayer?

Does BBC iPlayer still exist?

With the BBC iPlayer app you can watch all your favourite shows on demand, live, stream them to your TV and even download them to watch offline anywhere.

Is BBC iPlayer the same as BBC?

BBC iPlayer is where you can watch BBC programmes online. You can watch all of our TV channels online and nearly all of our programmes are available to watch shortly after they've been broadcast for a set amount of time.

Can BBC iPlayer detect VPN?

How does the BBC know I'm using a VPN? Streaming services like the BBC iPlayer use smart technologies that detect VPNs. They do it by inspecting shared IP addresses. If they see that many different devices connect to their service through one IP address, they suspect it's a VPN.

Is BBC iPlayer region locked?

BBC iPlayer lets you stream popular TV shows like Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Poldark online, but only if you're in the UK. This service, like many others, is region-locked. Additionally, it has particularly strict VPN-detection features, meaning most VPNs can't unblock BBC iPlayer abroad.

How much does a BBC account cost?

Signing in is quick, free and easy and you should stay signed in for two years on each web browser or app. Sign in isn't required to watch children's content through your web browser.

Why is BBC forcing me to register?

Signing in unlocks a BBC that's personalised to you. And as a public service, it allows us to check we're making something for everyone.

Why is BBC iPlayer only available in the UK?

You cannot stream programmes on BBC iPlayer outside the UK, even on holiday. This is because of rights agreements.

How do I watch BBC for free?

BBC Select is a BBC streaming service available to stream on Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app or The Roku Channel. You can try BBC Select for free for 7 days.

What is better than Netflix in UK?

Amazon Prime Video In a nutshell: Amazon has a huge library, but a lot of it you have to pay separately for. There's always a half-decent rotation of films and shows for free, but the streaming part of the monthly cost does often feel like the extra that comes with the free postage.

What is the best streaming for BBC?

BBC America on YouTube TV YouTube TV is the most extensive live TV streamer available today. 85 channels, multiple simultaneous streams, and unlimited DVR storage, all for $65 a month. You don't have to sacrifice live sports or local channels either, as is the case with some other live streamers.

Why is it called BBC iPlayer?

What is the BBC iPlayer controversy?

The core of the controversy is the fact that the iPlayer system is built atop DRM supplied by Microsoft (somewhat ironically for a product that appears to be trying to leverage Apple's mind share with its choice of name). The effect of this is to lock the player to the Windows operating system.

Does anyone watch BBC anymore?

How much is BBC iPlayer?

As mentioned earlier, a BBC iPlayer subscription costs you nothing. The service is free, but you must get a licence to continue streaming BBC iPlayer on your device. To do so, you have to pay for the TV license.

What is BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is where you can watch BBC programmes online. You can watch all of our TV channels online and nearly all of our programmes are available to watch shortly after they've been broadcast for a set amount of time. We also curate shows from the BBC Archives and offer live events and online exclusives. Just missed the start of a programme?

How long do you have to watch a show on BBC iPlayer?

You now get 30 days to watch most shows after they've been shown on BBC channels, though some BBC Three and BBC Four programmes are available for much longer. News bulletins and sports coverage can be available for shorter periods. Alongside BBC iPlayer, the 30-day catch-up window is also available on BBC iPlayer Radio (more on that below).

Can you watch BBC programmes in HD?

Programmes that have been broadcast in HD on the BBC are usually available to watch in HD on BBC iPlayer. If a programme was broadcast live, it may take longer for the HD version to become available, as it can take longer to process. In such cases, please try again later. How can I watch in HD?

How do I use BBC iPlayer live restart?

To do this, find what you want to watch on the BBC iPlayer website or app, either live or on demand, and press play. You can also use Live Restart to watch a programme that's already started from the beginning. Find out more in the How do I use Live Restart? page. Sometimes your internet speed may not be fast enough to allow for streaming.