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On the recordRead 12 Oct 202613 facts
BBC iPlayer
Plans and prices
BBC iPlayer
Free
UK only · TV Licence required to watch or download BBC programmes
Read 12 Oct 2026 · downloads.bbc.co.uk
On the record
- Accessibility
- Subtitles are available for live TV and on-demand programmes, including downloads, on the iPlayer TV app, mobile app and website.bbc.com.im · read 12 Oct 2026
- Audio description
- Audio-described programmes are available on iPlayer, though they cannot be downloaded on all versions.bbc.com.im · read 12 Oct 2026
- Content expiry
- iPlayer programmes are available only for a limited period and are automatically deleted after that period.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Content security
- The terms prohibit attempts to get around the BBC’s content security technology, which it describes as software that prevents copying content.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Download limits
- Programmes can only be downloaded in the UK and expire when their availability period ends; the help page says there is no download service on PC, Mac or TV devices.bbclatestnews.pages.dev · read 12 Oct 2026
- Geographic restriction
- The BBC’s terms say not to stream or download iPlayer TV shows when outside the UK.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Live TV
- You can watch live BBC programmes on iPlayer.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Maker history
- The BBC says the British Broadcasting Company was formed on 18 October 1922 and became the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Offline viewing
- The BBC iPlayer app lets users download programmes on compatible phones and tablets for offline viewing.bbclatestnews.pages.dev · read 12 Oct 2026
- On-demand TV
- BBC iPlayer provides BBC programmes on demand, subject to each programme’s availability period.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The BBC provides an iPlayer help and FAQ site for using the service and fixing issues.bbc.com.im · read 12 Oct 2026
- TV Licence
- A TV Licence is required to watch or download BBC programmes on iPlayer in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.downloads.bbc.co.uk · read 12 Oct 2026
- UK access
- iPlayer is only available in the UK, and access is tied to a valid UK TV licence.help.bbc.com · read 12 Oct 2026
