Freeview FV has only been around since 2016 and is the go-to app for free-to-air streaming in Australia. So popular it is that it has now passed over a million downloads on the Apple and Google stores.
Although the number of downloads does not accurately demonstrate the constant users of the BVOD (Broadcast Video on Demand) service there is still a large growth in the Freeview users with the May numbers over 432,000, up a whopping 25% from the same time in 2017. Freeview CEO Liz Ross put the growth down to the hard working Freeview team:
We are absolutely thrilled with the response we’ve had for Freeview FV. To see one million downloads is testament to the hard work of Australian broadcasters and our team in creating an app that delivers quality content and convenience to Australian viewers.
Not only are Freeview numbers increasing but they have also seen a “growth of over 70% in app downloads since June last year”. The sheer number of Australians streaming BVOD is significant and at 7 million users streaming more than two billion minutes of catch up and live streaming content each month you would expect more collaboration between the networks and the app developers in the future.
The broadcasters are creating content that is designed to cater for a large Australian audience with more accessibility and convenience including using Chromecast and Apple TV.
Australians want to watch whatever they want from wherever they are, and we’re continually working on new ways to deliver fantastic content right into their handsLiz Ross Freeview CEO
Freeview FV is available on Android phones and iOS devices through their app stores. It provides access to live-streaming and catch up content from 20 channels with more to be added as they become available. The channels included at this stage are ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ABC COMEDY/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC NEWS, SBS Viceland, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life Extra, One, Eleven, TVSN and Spree TV.
Let’s face it, streaming media is here to stay so it is good to see an app geared directly to Australians providing such great access and features while encompassing much of our free-to-air landscape. If you don’t have Freeview FV installed on your device but love your TV head on over to the Play Store and check it out.
Editor’s note: This story initially referred to 16 channels. We have since been advised this should’ve been 20, and the story has been amended accordingly.
Quote: “it is good to see an app geared directly to Australians”
But Australians are not loyal about supporting home-grown products.
That’s why Australians flock to the American-run Netflix, instead of supporting the Australian-owned Stan. The US broadcaster CBS bought Network Ten for the sole purpose of introducing CBS’s All Access streaming app. No doubt when All Access arrives, Australians will happily desert Freeview.
I would suggest that Australians flock to Netflix for the content, ownership has nothing to do with it.
The Freeview app has the advantage of covering all of the free-to-air networks. It’s just not a particularly good app.
I have both. Netflix for me has “higher quality” content. Stan has its odd good show but for me just has a wider range of content that appeals to me. Has nothing to do with who owns it. When all access arrives I’ll make a determination about whether it is worth my hard earned cash.
No thanks. Commercial tv is unwatchable. Been free of it for years and couldn’t be happier.
Guys….. r u serious. Have a look at the product b4 u go recommending something. The reviews are woeful. Especially as I hv an S8…
Daily user, it’s quite decent. Thanks
It’s a dreadful app. I gave up on it and just use the individual apps. Eg ABC iView , TenPlay
App is also available in Windows 10 store
A lot of the time the video that is playing on TV is not available on this app.
Including the World Cup, which while live on SBS isn’t live on this app.
FFS I swear that broadcast TV and similar media will die not because people don’t want to watch, but because they keep actively getting between viewers and content. If it’s actually available at all they seem to think people are going to sign up for accounts, accept adverts, accept DOGs all over the screen, and accept blockovision.