BBC reports over 1mn iPlayer users since Christmas Day launch

January 15, 2008 – The BBC has announced that over 1mn people have used its iPlayer online video service since official launch on December 25 of last year, with more than 3.5mn programmes watched in the period.

On average, 250,000 programmes were either streamed or downloaded each day following the Christmas Day launch.  According to the BBC, the number of people streaming content outnumbers downloading by a factor of eight.  Some platforms, such as Mac and Linux, can only support streaming of content.

Nearly half of all programmes streamed or downloaded were placed outside the top 50 most popular shows, and Ashley Highfield, Director of Future Media for the BBC, commented that it “demonstrates how on demand services can bring niche programming to a wider audience.”

The most popular programmes viewed via iPlayer since the official Christmas day launch included the Doctor Who Christmas Special, Top Gear and Eastenders.