Freely confirms huge UK TV boost that could worry Freeview and Sky

Sky and Freeview had long ruled the roost when it comes to watching TV, but there's a new rival that could soon be nipping at their heels. Freely has just celebrated its first official birthday, and its rise appears to have been pretty rapid. In fact, the team behind the service - which also owns Freeview - says it is now reaching over half a million weekly users and is proving to be especially popular with 16-34s - the largest group of early adopters.

Freely now says it's forecast to become the UK's largest TV device platform by 2030.

For those not already aware, Freely now comes built into swathes of new TVs from manufacturers such as Toshiba, Hisense and Panasonic.

Instead of beaming content to the screen using an aerial, everything arrives via a broadband connection instead.

This makes it much easier to DIY install and offers features such as pausing live TV and travelling back in time using the backwards TV guide.

Freely also offers recommendations for things to watch, plus it promises regular over-the-air updates and new features - all content is also totally free to watch.

Although Freeview and Sky still win when it comes to sheer user numbers, it seems that Freely is gaining traction and could be a serious rival in the future.

Amy Rowcliffe, Marketing Director at Everyone TV, said: "As a mum of two young girls, I see every day how TV brings us together. Whether it's watching Bake Off as a family or the girls singing along to The Masked Singer. Some shows just become part of your family life, and our research proves that's true across the country.

"With Freely, we're making sure those moments are easy for everyone to stream and enjoy. All the best British TV, in one place, and completely free. It's brilliant to see younger audiences embracing it too, which shows free TV has a big role to play for the next generation."

It's worth noting that Sky also now offers its Glass TV and Stream box which both use broadband to beam shows, movies and sports to the screen. Although there is a monthly fee to pay, Sky's products do also offer access to more premium content including the latest films and Premier League football.