Video-on-Demand (VOD) / Catch-up TV

Video-on-Demand lets you watch TV programmes whenever you want, not when broadcasters decide to show them. This complete guide explains everything about catch-up TV, streaming platforms, and TV licence requirements in the UK.

TLDR – Key Facts About VOD & Catch-up TV

• VOD means watching programmes on your schedule, not the broadcaster’s schedule
• BBC iPlayer requires a TV licence – all other catch-up services are free without a licence
• Most catch-up content stays available for 30 days after broadcast
• Main UK platforms: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, My5, NOW TV
• Works on phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs and streaming devices
• No need to record programmes – stream them when convenient

Video-on-Demand is a Streaming System That Lets You Watch TV Programmes Whenever You Choose

Video-on-Demand (VOD) completely changes how you watch television. Instead of tuning in at specific times, you pick what to watch and when to watch it.

The system works through internet streaming technology. You connect your device to the internet and access programmes through apps or websites.

Catch-up TV forms part of the VOD family. It specifically refers to programmes that aired on traditional TV channels within recent weeks.

These services store thousands of hours of content on computer servers. When you press play, the video streams directly to your device in real-time.

The Difference Between VOD and Traditional Broadcasting

Traditional TV broadcasting follows fixed schedules. EastEnders airs at 7:30 pm on BBC One, whether you’re ready to watch or not.

VOD flips this concept completely. You choose the programme, the time, and often the device you want to use.

“On-demand programmes are programmes that aren’t live, and that you can watch whenever you want. They are usually programmes that the BBC has shown recently on TV.” – BBC iPlayer Help Centre

This fundamental shift gives viewers complete control over their viewing experience. No more rushing home for favourite programmes or setting recording devices.

UK’s Main Streaming Platforms and Services

The UK offers several major catch-up TV platforms, each serving different broadcaster content and audiences.

BBC iPlayer – The Licence-Required Service

BBC iPlayer stands as the UK’s most comprehensive catch-up service. It requires a TV licence for all viewing, including catch-up programmes.

The platform offers content from all BBC channels:

• BBC One and BBC Two programmes
• BBC Three exclusive content
• BBC Four documentaries and arts programmes
• CBBC and CBeebies children’s content
• BBC News and current affairs

Most programmes remain available for 30 days after broadcast. Popular series often stay longer, while some content appears exclusively online.

ITVX – Commercial Television’s Answer

ITVX replaced the older ITV Hub service in 2022. It provides catch-up content from ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, and other ITV-owned channels.

The service operates on an advertising-supported model. You watch short ad breaks during programmes, making the service completely free.

Popular content includes:

• Coronation Street and other soaps
• Love Island and reality shows
• I’m A Celebrity and entertainment programmes
• Drama series and crime shows

All4 – Channel 4’s Digital Platform

All4 (formerly 4oD) serves Channel 4’s extensive catalogue. The platform pioneered catch-up TV in the UK and continues to lead the way in innovation.

Content includes programmes from Channel 4, E4, More4, and Film4. The 30-day availability rule applies to most content.

All4 also commissions original content exclusively for the platform. These “digital-first” programmes never appear on traditional TV channels.

My5 – Channel 5’s Catch-up Service

My5 provides catch-up access to Channel 5 programmes. The platform places a strong emphasis on imported American content and reality programming.

Popular offerings include:

• Big Brother and reality shows
• American crime dramas like NCIS
• Documentary series
• Children’s programming

Platform	TV Licence Required	Typical Availability	Main Content
BBC iPlayer	Yes – Required	30 days	All BBC content
ITVX	No	30 days	ITV channels content
All4	No	30+ days	Channel 4 family content
My5	No	30 days	Channel 5 programmes
NOW TV	No (subscription)	Varies	Sky content library

TV Licence Requirements for VOD Services

Understanding TV licence requirements prevents legal issues and unexpected fines. The rules vary significantly between different streaming platforms.

When You Need a TV Licence

You must have a TV licence to watch BBC iPlayer content. This applies to all BBC programmes, whether live, catch-up, or exclusive online content.

The licence requirement covers:

• Any BBC programme on BBC iPlayer
• Watch live BBC television channels online
• Downloaded BBC programmes for offline viewing
• BBC content on any device (phone, tablet, laptop, TV)

“A valid TV Licence is required to watch or download any programmes on BBC iPlayer, on a TV or any device including a phone, tablet or computer.” – TV Licensing

When You Don’t Need a TV Licence

All other catch-up services work without a TV licence. You can legally watch ITVX, All4, My5, and subscription services like Netflix without a licence.

The key distinction is that watching programmes after they’ve finished broadcasting (except BBC content) doesn’t require a licence.

You can watch these services licence-free:

• ITVX catch-up programmes
• All4 on-demand content
• My5 catch-up shows
• Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ (subscription services)
• YouTube videos and content

How the 30-Day Availability System Works

Most UK broadcasters follow a standard 30-day availability window for catch-up content. This system strikes a balance between viewer convenience and commercial considerations.

Standard 30-Day Windows

After a programme airs on traditional TV, it typically becomes available on the broadcaster’s catch-up service within hours. The content then remains accessible for 30 days from the original broadcast date.

This system works consistently across:

• ITVX programmes
• My5 content
• Most All4 programmes
• Some BBC iPlayer content

Exceptions to the 30-Day Rule

Several factors can extend or shorten availability periods:

Extended availability occurs for:

• Popular drama series (may stay 60+ days)
• Children’s programmes (often available longer)
• Educational content
• Seasonal specials and documentaries

Shortened availability happens due to:

• Music licensing restrictions in variety shows
• Sports content with limited broadcast rights
• International programmes with territorial restrictions
• Live event coverage with specific contracts

Device Compatibility and Streaming Technology

Modern VOD services are compatible with virtually every internet-connected device. This flexibility represents one of catch-up TV’s most significant advantages over traditional broadcasting.

Supported Devices and Platforms

Smartphones and tablets offer the most portable viewing experience:

• iPhone and iPad through App Store downloads
• Android devices via the Google Play Store
• Mobile data or Wi-Fi connections work equally well
• Download features allow offline viewing on most platforms

Smart TVs and streaming devices provide big-screen experiences:

• Built-in apps on Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs
• Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube
• Apple TV devices and Apple TV app
• Roku streaming players
• Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV

Internet Connection Requirements

Streaming quality depends directly on the speed of your internet connection. Higher speeds enable better picture quality and smoother playback.

Recommended connection speeds:

• Standard definition (SD): 3 Mbps minimum
• High definition (HD): 5-8 Mbps recommended
• 4K Ultra HD: 25+ Mbps required
• Multiple devices: Add 5-10 Mbps per additional stream

Benefits and Limitations of Catch-up TV

Video-on-Demand services transform television viewing, but they come with both significant advantages and notable restrictions.

Significant Benefits of VOD Services

Complete schedule flexibility tops the list of VOD advantages. You watch programmes when convenient, not when broadcasters schedule them.

No recording equipment is necessary. Traditional PVRs and DVD recorders become obsolete when everything streams on demand.

Multiple device access means starting a programme on your phone during your commute, then finishing on your TV at home.

Pause and rewind functionality lets you control playback completely. Answer the door, make tea, or replay missed dialogue instantly.

Personalised recommendations help discover new content based on viewing history and preferences.

Current Limitations and Restrictions

Internet dependency creates the most significant limitation. No internet connection means no access to any content.

Geographic restrictions block content when travelling abroad. Most UK services only work within British territorial limits.

Limited availability windows mean that missing the 30-day deadline results in permanent loss of access to programmes.

Advertising interruptions on free services break programme flow, though shorter than traditional TV ad breaks.

“Most catch-up content is available for 30 days after it is broadcast, however, this time can change. BBC iPlayer has some shows available for much longer periods.” – Free Price Compare TV Guide

Popular VOD Content Categories and Programming

Different streaming platforms excel in specific content areas. Understanding each service’s strengths helps viewers select the most suitable platform for their interests.

Drama and Entertainment Programming

BBC iPlayer dominates British drama production with acclaimed series like Line of Duty, Sherlock, and Call the Midwife. The platform also offers extensive natural history documentaries from David Attenborough.

ITVX specialises in commercial drama and reality television. Popular programmes include detective series, medical dramas, and dating shows.

All4 focuses on innovative comedy and alternative programming. The platform pioneered programmes like The Great British Bake Off and Gogglebox.

News and Current Affairs

BBC iPlayer offers comprehensive news coverage through BBC News programmes, including Newsnight and Question Time. Political programming receives extensive coverage during significant events.

All4 offers Channel 4 News and investigative documentaries. The platform frequently covers social issues and political analysis.

Children’s and Family Content

CBBC and CBeebies content on BBC iPlayer provides extensive children’s programming. Educational content is combined with entertainment to cater to different age groups.

ITVX includes CITV programmes and family entertainment shows. Weekend programming often focuses on family viewing.

The Future of On-Demand Viewing in the UK

Streaming technology continues to evolve rapidly. New developments reshape how British audiences consume television content.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

4K and HDR content becomes increasingly common across major platforms. Higher-quality video demands better internet connections, but it delivers cinema-quality experiences.

Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simplifies content discovery and navigation. Speaking requests replace complex menu navigation.

Personalised content curation uses artificial intelligence to suggest programmes based on viewing patterns and preferences.

Industry Consolidation and Competition

International streaming giants, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, create intense competition for traditional broadcasters.

British broadcasters respond by improving their platforms and commissioning exclusive content. The race for viewers drives innovation and investment.

BritBox, the joint venture between BBC and ITV, represents traditional broadcasters fighting back against American streaming dominance.

Regulatory and Licensing Changes

TV licence reform discussions continue in government and media circles. The current system faces challenges as viewing habits shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming.

Ofcom regulation of on-demand services may expand. Current rules primarily cover traditional broadcasting, but streaming services operate under less stringent regulation.

Getting Started with VOD and Catch-up TV

Starting your video-on-demand journey requires minimal technical knowledge and equipment. Most people already own suitable devices.

Essential Setup Requirements

Broadband internet connection forms the foundation of any VOD setup. Most UK homes already have suitable connections for standard definition streaming.

Compatible devices include virtually any modern internet-connected device:

• Smartphones less than 5 years old
• Tablets and iPads
• Laptops and desktop computers
• Smart TVs manufactured after 2015
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Dedicated streaming devices

Account Creation and Access

Most catch-up services require free account registration. The process typically takes less than five minutes per platform.

BBC iPlayer requires account verification and a TV licence declaration. You must confirm you hold a valid licence before accessing content.

Other platforms, such as ITVX, All4, and My5, require basic registration but not licence verification.

Maximising Your Viewing Experience

Download content when using mobile data connections. Most platforms allow offline downloads, saving mobile data allowances for other activities.

Create viewing lists to track programmes you want to watch. This prevents missing content when it expires from catch-up services.

Check expiry dates regularly, especially for programmes approaching the 30-day limit.

Understanding the differences between platforms, licensing requirements, and technical capabilities helps you make informed choices about your viewing habits.

The 30-day availability system provides reasonable windows for catch-up viewing, while the variety of platforms ensures something for every taste and interest.

As technology advances and viewing habits continue evolving, VOD services will likely become even more central to British television consumption.