United Kingdom OTT & Multiscreen Markets

The unique role and importance of public service broadcasters in the U.K. market, coupled with the dominance of Sky (followed by Virgin Media) in the pay TV sector have given it a unique trajectory with respect to over-the-top (OTT) and multiscreen video. Innovative services have appeared, led by the BBC, with relatively quick responses by ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. 

Free-to-air services continue to play a critical role in the UK household, but pay TV services are expected to remain a significant factor as well. New premium services, like Sky’s Now TV, could alter traditional perceptions of the pay TV service, but these are evolutionary changes that speak to the growing importance of multiscreen services and mobile devices in particular. Tablets in particular are starting to supplant formerly key devices like computers for some online video viewing – a trend that will continue as tablet penetration increases and multiscreen and OTT services expand.

In this report we discuss the key OTT and multiscreen services in the UK and how consumer behavior is shifting in light of the changing landscape. Forecasts for pay TV households and OTT Revenue are provided as are tables that depict device (and/or content) support from OTT/multiscreen services.