U (streaming service)

For the Northern Irish TV Channel, see UTV (TV channel).

U
Other namesUKTV Play (2014–2024)
Original author(s)UKTV
Initial release4 August 2014; 10 years ago (2014-08-04)
PlatformiOS, Android, Windows, macOS, YouView, Virgin Media, Now
Available inEnglish
Websiteu.co.uk

U (formerly known as UKTV Play) is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, which is operated by the BBC's commercial subsidiary BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming and live broadcasts from UKTV's free-to-air channels (U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W, U&Eden, and U&Yesterday).[1]

History

UKTV Play was first announced in June 2014.[2] Prior to its launch, each UKTV channel had their own on-demand services.

UKTV Play launched on iOS in August, on PC, YouView and Virgin Media in November[3] and on Android in February 2015.[4] The service would then launch on Freeview Play in August 2016,[5] on Roku and Sky UK's Now in February 2018,[6] and on Freesat and Samsung smart TVs in September 2018.[7]

Following the relaunch of W as a free-to-air service, the channel's shows would become available to watch for free on UKTV Play.[citation needed]

Rebrand to U

In November 2023, UKTV announced that UKTV Play would be renamed as U, as part of the unification of UKTV's channels and service under the new masterbrand.[8] UKTV Play rebranded as U on 16 July 2024.[9]

References

  1. ^ Finbow, Katy (31 March 2015). "Drama channel launches on UKTV Play on-demand service". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  2. ^ Alexander, Susannah (23 June 2014). "UKTV launching first interactive digital service UKTV Play". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  3. ^ Barker, John (21 November 2014). "UKTV Play arrives on YouView and PC". Broadband Choices. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  4. ^ "UKTV Play app launches on Android". Digital TV Europe. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  5. ^ "UKTV Play launches on Freeview Play | Freeview". www.freeview.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  6. ^ "UKTV Play launches on NOW TV and Roku streaming players | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  7. ^ "UKTV Play launches on Freesat | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  8. ^ Middleton, Richard (29 November 2023). "UKTV channels and streaming service to rebrand under new banner U". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  9. ^ Kasule, Melissa (6 June 2024). "UKTV to launch masterbrand U on July 16". Retrieved 12 June 2024.